The Coming Battle

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Title Page Introduction Chapter Page* I. Origin of the Money Power in America 7 II. Origin of the Present National Ranking System 43 III. National Banks and Silver 89 IV. Conspiracy of New York and London Bankers and Bondholders to Remonetize Silver 109 V. Efforts to Remonetize Silver and Preserve the Greenback 158 VI. The National Banks Wage War Upon the Credit of the United States 203 VII. National Banks Secure a Continuation of Their Existence 236 VIII. The National Banking Money Power Secures Complete Control of the Treasury 270 IX. Money Power of England and United States Combine to Annihilate Silver 304 X. National Banking Money Power Brings on the Panic of 1893 325 XI. Special Session of Congress Repeals the Sherman Law 362 XII. Senate Votes for Repeal 384 XIII. Efforts of Administration to force Carlisle Bill through Congress 407 XIV. National Banks and the Administration Combine to Issue Bonds in Time of Peace 439 XV. Campaigns of 1896 460

*Page numbers correspond to original page numbers in book.

Introduction Table of Contents

The Coming Battle
By

M. W. WALBERT

COPYRIGHT, 1899 BY M. W. WALBERT

The Coming Battle
3* INTRODUCTION. In this volume the author endeavors to give an accurate history of the present National Bank System of currency, including an account of the first United States Bank,- both of which were borrowed from Great Britain by those statesmen who, like the father of Sir Robert Peel, believed that a national debt was the source of prosperity. It is believed that the facts adduced in the following pages will be productive of some good, in pointing out the immense evils lurking in that system of banking, a system which has produced panics at will, and which is the active abettor of the stock gamblers, railroad wreckers, and those industrial tyrants of modern times, the enormously overcapitalized and oppressive trusts. It is sought to point out the great dangers of delegating purely government powers to these greedy monopolists, by which they are enabled to organize a money trust, far more tyrannical than all the other combinations now in existence; and by which they absolutely defy the authority that endowed them with corporate life. The issue between these banks and the people will be joined in the near future, and the greatest struggle 4 the world ever witnessed will take place between the usurping banks on the one hand and the people on the other. In the nature of things, unjustly acquired power of man over man generally rises to such heights of arrogance, as to eventually create a public opinion that will grind tyranny of every form to atoms, hence, The Coming Battle that will surely take place in the near future and the victory that will be won by justice will be the noblest events in American history. The Author.

*Page numbers from the original book are included at what was the top of each page in the book.

To Chapter I To the Table of Contents

The Coming Battle
7 CHAPTER I. ORIGIN OF THE MONEY POWER IN AMERICA

"Justice, full and ample justice, to every portion of the United States, should be the ruling principle of every freeman, and should guide the deliberations of every public body, whether it be state or national." - Andrew Jackson. During the existence of the human race, from the earliest dawn of civilization to the close of the present century, the power exercised over the industry, property and conscience of man by cunning and ambition has assumed many forms. The form of power which first appeared to oppress and plunder the race, was exemplified in those celebrated conquerors of antiquity, who traversed the earth in their bloody careers, transforming blooming fields and rich and populous cities into deserts, overthrowing whole nations, sacrificing on the battle, fields countless myriad's of their fellow men - merely satisfy a species of madness dignified by the name of ambition. Another and a more dangerous form of misapplied power resulted from the intellectual tyranny exercised by that shrewd class, the priest-hood, over the conscience and religious beliefs of the great mass of mankind. From the days of the Pharaohs down to this period, man, from his instinctive veneration for a Supreme Being, has been so peculiarly susceptible to the arts, wiles, and cunning of priest-craft to such a degree as to excite universal surprise. 8 Those gross superstitions, engrafted on the inherent religious nature of man, by that wary intellectual superiority, which weighed down the noblest traits of the human mind; which bred bitter religious animosities; unheard of extortion's by the corrupt and infamous priestly aristocracies of various so-called religions, were the well-matured and craftily-devised schemes for plunder by designing men. It is almost inconceivable that the ancient Egyptians, that admirable race, whose noble genius

and wonderful energy reared those stately temples, the magnificent cities, and the stupendous pyramids along the valley of the Nile, should worship the man-eating crocodile, the savage vulture, the grinning ape and the crawling lizard. This race is an example of that soul-darkening superstition which hung like n pall over the intellect of man. The countless wars which afflicted Europe, Asia, and Africa for nearly eighteen centuries; which drowned the finest aspirations of humanity in blood; which desolated the fairest parts of the earth; which stemmed the tide toward a higher and a grander civilization, sprang from the base superstitions originated by the grasping priesthood, who lived in sloth and luxury upon the labor of the deluded mass of mankind. The celebrated Vattel, in the twelfth chapter of that noble work, The Law of Nations, awards us a faint idea of the enormities practiced upon the people of Europe by the clergy. 9 Taine, in his History of France, shows that the ecclesiastics had seized upon the most valuable and fertile portion of the territory of that country, and that the oppression practiced by them upon the French people was one of the leading causes of the great revolution. The third and most insidious and most dangerous form of power that has yet appeared to threaten the material well-being of the race; which new holds every civilized and semi-civilized people in its merciless grasp; which is appropriating to itself the productive energies of the world; which is subordinating the press, the pulpit, and the statesmen of the day to its ambitious ends; which openly boasts of its nefarious methods in the courts, legislatures, and other parliamentary bodies of nations, is the modern money power. That there is a gigantic combination of the money dealers, a powerful international trust of usurers, asserting a superiority above all jurisdictions, and having for its servants the so-called statesmen and potentates of various nations, who willingly register the decrees of this money power upon the statute-books of the respective states, is a fact that can bc sustained by irrefutable evidence. This great international monetary trust now menaces the very life of this nation, and the people must dethrone it and subordinate it to their will, or American liberty will vanish. The Declaration of Independence, which announced the true principles of government, was a memorable protest against the rapacious money power composed of the landed aristocracy, the trading, commercial, and manufacturing interests of England, which, by a long series of vicious

and unconstitutional acts of Parliament, sought to eat out the substance of the colonists. 10 The war of the Revolution, which followed, set its seal of approval upon the patriotic efforts of the colonists against oppression, and freedom was achieved. Upon the conclusion of that most righteous conflict, n more perfect union was formed to establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and posterity by the adoption of the Federal constitution. General Washington was chosen the first President by a unanimous vote. For his constitutional advisers he appointed Thomas Jefferson for Secretary of State; Alexander Hamilton for Secretary of the Treasury; James Knox for Secretary of War; and Edmund Randolph for Attorney General. Jefferson, who was the most accomplished scholar in America, the profoundest thinker upon the principles of Government of any age, the friend of humanity and a staunch believer in the capacity of the common people for self-government, was a representative of that industrial element which sustains society by its labors. Hamilton, who was an aristocrat by birth and breeding, and who was connected by marriage with the wealthiest family of the landed aristocracy of New York, was a strong representative of the trading, banking and commercial element of New York City and New England, which constituted the Tory clement of the Revolution. The presence of two statesmen of such wholly antagonistic views and temperaments in the cabinet of Washington, naturally originated divisions of political sentiment, from which sprang two great political parties. ll One of the first measures which received the aid and sanction of Hamilton was the act of Congress adopted February 25, 1791, chartering the Bank of the United States. Jefferson, whose penetrating mind perceived the vast power for mischief lodged in an Institution of that nature, in a powerful communication to the President, advised him to veto the bill. Washington, however, accepted the views of Hamilton, his Secretary of the Treasury, and signed the bill, and it became a law.

mechanics. This bank. United States Senator Benton. It was chartered for the period of twenty years. flour sunk from $ll. and as it had during its brief career obtained the mastery over the entire business of the country by its loans of circulating notes and the public revenues. and its actual capital was trebled in its earning capacity by loaning its circulating notes at interest. Jefferson stated that the bank party consisted of the fashionable circles of Philadelphia. It was made the depositary of the revenues of the Government. and had built up a system of credit in the commercial centers. The price of all property was shown to be depressed. Thomas Jefferson. to intimidate Congress and the people. all real estate fell thirty per cent. it made a concerted contraction of the currency and brought on the great panic of 18ll.75. the rent of
. pointed out the dangerous possibilities of the bank to influence the politics and business of the nation. 3. The power to issue its circulating notes as money having full legal tender quality for the payment of taxes and demands due the Government was conferred upon it. resolutions. Hemp sunk in Philadelphia from $350 to $250 per ton. This was the first appearance of an ORGANIZED MONEY POWER in the United States. and therefore it became the fiscal agent of the Treasury department. memorials.00 per barrel to $7. the bank paid the United States a small bonus. and with the same identical effects. therefore. in a speech in the senate during the administration of Jackson.By the terms of the act incorporating the bank. It had the solo power of issuing legal tender paper money. thus graphically states the manner in which the bank con-trivet to manufacture public sentiment in its favor He says: "All the machinery of alarm and distress was in as full activity at that time as at present. was a monopoly sustained by the credit and the revenues of the United States. 2. Merchants trading on their own capital. by voice and pen.town meetings. Boston and Charleston (natural aristocrats). In 18ll. 2. For the extensive powers and exclusive privileges bestowed upon it by Congress. Congress refused to re-charter the bank. and by having the control of the government revenues. Merchants trading in British capital.. five hundred houses were suspended in their erection. farmers and every other possible description of our citizens. Irish merchants. Against the bank were 1. 3. in language of rare power and felicity. 12 In a letter to Madison in 1793. its capital was fixed at ten millions of dollars. New York. deputations to congress. alarming speeches in congress. Paper men. Tradesmen.

saluted with acclamations by the masses.money rose to one and a half per month on the best paper. During the continuance of this war. In 1812 occurred the second war with England. if not covered. inflammatory speeches made. will end in their destruction. And I sincerely believe with you that banking institutions are more dangerous than standing armies. and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity under the name of funding is but swindling futurity on a large scale. and one of the ablest statesmen of the day. and is sweeping away in its progress the fortunes and morals of our citizens. I contemplate it as a blot left in all our constitutions which. every generation coming equally by the laws of the Creator of the world to the free possession of the earth He made for their subsistence unincumbered by their predecessors. for twelve years Secretary of the Treasury. confidence destroyed. great feasts given . thus bears valuable testimony to the efficiency of government paper money in carrying the United States through that war. escorted by processions. it cannot be denied that it saved the country. traveled with public honors like conquering generals returning from victorious battlefields. cannon fired. Albert Gallatin.all engineered by the bank. the United States issued its treasury notes with full legal tender power. Funding I consider as limited rightfully to a redemption of the debt within the lives of a majority of the generation contracting it. Jefferson says:14 "The system of banking we have both equally and ever reprobated. and though operating as a most unequal tax. and the bank threw its whole influence against the United States during that great struggle. May 28. He says: "The paper money carried the United States through the most arduous and perilous stages of the war." 13 The Senator goes on to show that great public meetings werc held." In a letter to John Tyler."
. manufactories stopped. That those members of Congress who favored the bank. workmen dismissed and the ruin of the country confidently predicted. which is already hit by the gamblers in corruption. Evidence is not wanting to sustain the charges made that the bank element of New England planned the separation of that section from the Union. and that those members favoring the bank were exhibited throughout the United States as though they werc some superior beings from the celestial regions. and they were gladly received by the people. 1816.

1813. Treasury bills. which last. exerted its whole influence against the United States. against their will. It was a matter of little concern to it that Great Britain had impressed into her service thousands of native born citizens of this country. and compelled them. arm. and so soon as n convenient quantity of them can get into circulation the bank notes die. when crowded. bottomed on taxes. it is the only resource which can never fail them. and it is an abundant one for every necessary purpose. and the circulating medium must be restored to the nation to whom it belongs. and the country was carried safely through the second war for independence. bearing or not bearing interest. What cared the bank that hundreds of American merchant vessels were confiscated. but let them discount for cash alone or for treasury notes. the bank put forth renewed efforts to secure a new
. will find an efflux into other countries and thus keep the quantum of medium at its salutary level. during the war of 1812." Bank paper must be suppressed. In this emergency the counsel of Jefferson was requested. but the country is eager for them as something they can trust to. 1815." It has been stated that the bank. and ought to bc looked at. Immediately after the close of the war. thrown into circulation will take the place of so much gold and silver. What is to be the course if loans cannot be obtained?" There is but one "Carthago delenda est. In a letter dated September ll. and he advised the issue of treasury notes by the government in lieu of borrowing." The sound advice couched in this letter was heeded by the government. he said: "The government is now issuing treasury notes for circulation. and that repeated insults had been heaped on this republic by the insolence of British statesmen? Although the bank was a creature of the legislative powers of congress. It is the only fund on which they can rely for loans. in a time of profound peace. written by Jefferson to the celebrated French author. and equip the American armies and to construct vessels of war to protect American commerce. The banking confederacy and the merchants bound to them by their dcbts will endeavor to crush the credit of these notes. if they please. 15 Money could not be obtained by means of loans to organize.In a letter of March 2. Say. and had received vast financial benefits from the country. it sought to embarrass the government in its struggle against Great Britain by arraying the moneyed class against the struggling republic. to man British guns. bottomed on solid funds and bearing interest. by orders of the English government. as may be found necessary. he thus stated his position: "The question will be asked. Let the banks continue.

owing. and what is at present the situation of this country. January 13. and I dare say very sincerely. or any of the persons in whose hands the Government is. 1815. You profess. in a great measure. and in so doing decide in some sort upon the rise or fall.000. in any hands or at any time. as experienced by us. in which he strenuously urged him to oppose the project. Secretary of the Treasury under President Madison. I cannot refrain from endeavoring to show you what some of these effects really have been. except such as have no capital at all. He said: London. transmitted a letter to 16 Mr.000. "It is the evil of a national bank. but while there is a possibility of its becoming. 17 "The amount of these discounts at any given time is supposed to bc about L6. to the existence of a great banking establishment closely connected with the government. and to dictate the political sentiments of that people. the celebrated English writer and economist. "To Mr. so to frame this establishment in America that it shall bc independent of the Government. William Cobbett. should have a desire to make a bank what our bank has long been. of all men in trade. 1816. and as a part of the reasons which you urge in support of that proposition appear to bc founded on the experience of a similar institution in England. under date of 6th December. At this juncture. As a warning against chartering a bank of issue. that you. It is next to impossible. it must be a matter of serious dread to every friend of America that such an establishment is likely to take place. it is as a bank of discount that this establishment exercises the most pernicious influence.charter. indeed. as they
. anything resembling this bank. who are a chosen divan. Cobbett pointed out the immense power of the Bank of England to ruin the tradesmen of that country. The directors. Sir. and indeed 17 of most other men. the making or the ruin. regulate these discounts. for the establishment of a national bank. Dallas. Secretary Dallas: "Sir: I have read with great care and uncommon interest your proposition to congress. to which I particularly wish to draw your attention.

You must see that they hold in their hands the pecuniary fate of a very large part of the community. in which he exhibited the appalling power of this bank. " The array of facts set out by this writer. after paying bonuses and dividing 7 per cent. on the one hand. It is little short of half a million dollars a day. sir. If he be in the practice of discounting. "I beseech you. Here is a sum of thirty-six millions lent every year to individuals. the directors consent or not. did not deter the American statesmen of that day from their attempt to fasten a like institution on this country. which was two fifths more than legal interest. he cannot go on. that the Bank of England had L20. In 1816.. If he be excluded from his fair share here. need I point out to you that they have been and must be constantly actuated by the strongest political prejudices? The fact is. or nearly $100. to make themselves the instruments in committing such detestable injustice and cruelty. by means of its power of granting or withholding discounts.000. and to plunge their families into shame and misery. I will not here allude to the United States Bank. would not only enable him to pay his debts but to proceed in prosperity. with the fair chances of time. Diminish the amount as much as you fairly can and even then you will dwell upon the subject with a deliberation you cannot prevent. however. One fact will at least corroborate what I have suggested. to look seriously at the extent of the dangerous power of these bank directors. and is one of the most potent instruments of political corruption. surplus in nineteen years. this writer said: 18 "I have given this rough statement that you may be struck with the magnitude of the object I present to you. and designed to serve as the Treasury Department of the government by receiving and disbursing the public revenues of the nation.are never for more than two months. has been. every day of their lives.000.
. then. congress chartered the United States Bank with a capital stock of thirty-five million dollars. and that they have it in their power. and of political vengeance on the other hand. consider the magnitude of the sum discounted. he stops payment and is frequently ruined forever. to it was delegated the sole power of issuing notes receivable by the United States for taxes and demands due it. to destroy the credit of many men. Sundays excepted. and if his discounts be cut off.-000. even while he possesses property which. to pursue such partiality. If I am asked for their motives to act like these. per annum." In speaking of the great profits reaped by that bank. Now. The bills for discounts are sent in. without any reasons assigned. viz.000. he cannot trade with the same advantage as other men trade. It is perfectly well known to you that in state of such things almost every man in trade is under the necessity of having a regular supply from discounting. sir. that the Bank of England. to which I may hereafter devote an essay.

Provided. The financial power of the bank. and may also establish any other bank or banks in said District. it was enabled to rally to its support a coerced and manufactured public sentiment . had become so
. that it obtained a monopoly of the circulating medium of the country. in addition to its capital stock of thirtyfive million dollars which constituted its primary loanable fund. Congress may renew existing charters for banks within the District of Columbia. For the exclusive powers conferred upon it. the accursed spirit of special privileges had shorn the nation of its means of self-preservation. Therefore. during the continuance of the corporation hereby created. not increasing the capital thereof. in the whole. It will be ascertained from the enormous powers enjoyed by the bank. as wcll as usury upon the government revenues when used in discounts. Not satisfied with a monopoly of the currency and banking of the country. The bank rapidly obtained a practical control over the business of the nation. the unlimited greed of the wealthy stockholders of this bank demanded and secured frown Congress. with capitals not exceeding. under its able and unscrupulous management. By its methods of conferring substantial favors upon the influential journals of the leading commercial cities. and it would tolerate no opposition.Section 21 of the Bank Act was as follows: "That no other bank shall be established by any future law of the United States. that.far-reaching and wide-spread as the limits of the Union. for which the faith of the United States is hereby pledged. if they shall deem it expedient. six millions of dollars. by force of law. and by its loans to powerful members of both branches of Congress. it would earn interest upon the circulating notes issued by it. It was a colossal moneyed monopoly. the interest earning capacity of its capital was morc than doubled. a pledge of the public faith that the essential powers of the Government should lie dormant for twenty years! 19 In the early days of the republic. the government received in return for this valuable franchise a small annual bonus." By this section Congress surrendered its constitutional powers to legislate upon a subject within its exclusive jurisdiction for the period of twenty years.

during its career as the fiscal agent of the Government. and the bank. it was confident that its charter would be renewed before its expiration by limitation of law. the more profit to the bank from the use of the increased revenues in making loans and discounts.dominant in its influence that it deemed itself master of the government and the people. its defenders. As has been stated. 20 This monopoly believed in the Hamiltonian maxim that a "Public debt is a public blessing. On the 8th day of December. and. and it was doomed to fall never to rise again. and that it was a necessary part of the machinery of Government. 1829. the more revenues necessary to pay the interest charge thereon.
. was elected chief magistrate by a great majority. From 1816 to 1828. and it swayed elections at will. President Jackson. threw every obstacle in the way of the payment of the national debt. 21 At the time of this election. The audacity of the bank was destined to receive a check in its career of uninterrupted power and success. therefore. the United States bank strongly opposed the payment of the debt for the aggrandizement of its own selfish purpose. and that he would not favor a renewal of its charter. It may be inquired by some why the bank should oppose the payment of the debt? The reason is obvious. In the year 1830. The most eloquent Senators and Representatives were continually sounding its praises in the halls of Congress as the most perfect financial institution ever devised by the wit of man. the public debt was being reduced rapidly. The larger the debt. Andrew Jackson. were fated to run counter to a patriot and statesman of invincible will and unflinching integrity. and prior thereto. and retainers. a large surplus of public revenues accrued to the United States. Its power in politics was immense. Deluded with the idea that it was invincible in its influence. the hero of New Orleans. In the presidential election of 1828. it was the sole arbiter of the financial affairs of the nation." and. in his first annual message to Congress. announced to that body that he was opposed to the bank. both public and private. and its astonishing abuses of its franchise where to be mercilessly exposed. and it would not be long before the United States would not owe a single dollar.

should the President not recede from his opposition to the bill continuing the existence of the bank for the period of twenty years longer. avowed its purpose to precipitate a panic. The resolution was lost by a vote of twenty-three to twenty. therefore. and. This accumulation of revenues served to augment the power of the bank as it increased its resources. thoroughly understood the means by which the bank had obtained its mastery over the commerce and industry of the nation. Many of the influential political friends of the President. the bank. should its demands not be concealed. extensive learning. it initiated a policy of expanding its loans until they reached the vast total of seventy-one million dollars. who were heavy borrowers from the bank. which it caused to be sent to the President as the apparently free expression of public sentiment. he presented a resolution in the United States senate to the effect. that the charter of the bank ought not to bc renewed. a powerful pressure would bc exerted upon the President and Congress by those who were borrowers of the bank. Merchants and importers. large delegations of leading citizens from every trade center in the country implored him to allow the measure to become a law. of Missouri. aware of his intense hostility toward the bank and its methods. and commanding ability. sounded a note of warning to the bank. On the 4th of July. 1832. the money was deposited in the bank. It compelled its thousands of borrowers to sign distress petitions. Its paid hirelings. importuned him to sign the bill. after its passage by Congress. which were so judiciously placed among leading merchants and manufacturers. 22 To arouse public sentiment in its behalf. in the halls of congress and elsewhere. To add to the general clamor. therefore. trooped to Washington to add their appeals to the petitions already presented.and according to law. The introduction of that resolution and the narrow majority by which it failed of passage. and in 1830 he advocated the passage of a law distributing these surplus revenues among the states. in the event of their being called in by the bank. and to pull down in ruins the business of the country.
. a man of great energy. its facility to make additional loans and discounts in the various commercial centers of the country. predicted dreadful results to business interests. President Jackson discerned the policy of the bank. and. and it gathered all its energies for the struggle that sooner or later was bound to come. at that session of congress. that. United States Senator Benton. a bill to re-charter the bank. He again opposed the renewal of its charter. through its officials. was sent to President Jackson for approval.

Mr. He ably maintained the Jeffersonian principles of Government that bank paper should be suppressed. and were eternally sounding the praises of that instrument as the noblest work of statesmanship. and Nicholas Biddle. Royall thus speaks of the conduct of these three leaders: "In addition to all its other sources of power the cause of the bank received invaluable assistance from the coalition of these great men (Webster. the president of this great financial institution. Benton thus truly describes the immense power of the bank over the Government and the people: -
. and upon the bank's cause and paper money. yet. the great enemy of both these things. the train was laid. while ascribing to it the most ample powers and authority. with a change of names and dates. and Clay advocated a liberal construction of the Constitution. the eloquent orator and great lawyer. of what had taken place on 18ll.23 The magazine had long been prepared by the bank. Daniel Webster. 24 Benton was a strict constructionist. In a work entitled. and declared himself ready and willing to apply the match that would start the most ruinous financial explosion that had yet shook the foundations of the republic. In a speech delivered in the United States Senate. sat in his luxurious office. Biddle had most able lieutenants in both branches of congress devoted to his interest." William L. Clay. and he was supported by an able array of statesmen of the first rank. the stalwart Benton was a stern opponent of the bank. led the banking interest in congress. Henry Clay. and asserted that the general Government was inherently qualified to transact its financial operations without the aid or assistance of any bank or system of banks. they strangely supported the theory that the United States Bank was absolutely necessary to the financial administration of the Federal Government. and Calhoun. Each was an aspirant for the presidency. each found a common ground upon which all three could meet and oppose Jack on." On the other hand. whose persuasive powers were unrivaled. the great leader of the South. All the movements of the bank were but a repetition. Webster. "Andrew Jackson and the Bank of the United States. and Calhoun).

of every growing crop. to put up and put down prices. All property is at their mercy. on which they gamble daily with as little secrecy and as little morality and far morc mischief to fortunes than common gamblers carry on their operations. how . it ceases to be safe when the national currency is at the will of a company. without the consent and co-operation of that company. When the bank ascertained beyond any doubt that President Jackson was firmly opposed to its further continuance. President Jackson.far it will let the money system go on regularly or throw it into disorder. Webstcr and Calhoun. said: "In this point of the case the question is distinctly presented. The Government can undertake no great enterprise. The temptation is too great. neither war nor pence. built on impregnable facts. the opportunity too easy. while President Biddle sat in his office at the bank. His course is only paralleled by that of Nero. how far it will suit the interest or policy of that company to create a tempest or suffer a calm in the money ocean."The Government itself ceases to be independent. is at their command. merchants were mercilessly driven to the wall.to sec how far that company will permit money to be scarce or to bc plentiful.Clay." 25 This unanswerable argument.
. who is said to have fiddled while Rome was burning. to make and break fortunes. The people are not safe when such a company has such a power. and rankled in the breasts of those Senators and Representatives who supported the bank and its policy. and their families felt the pangs of hunger. to bring the whole community upon its knees to the Neptunes who preside over the flux and reflux of paper. could not be met by all the eloquence and logic that could be mustered against it by the great Triumvirate ." These pointed shafts from the executive struck home. Stocks are their playthings . or whether the power and money of a great corporation are to be secretly exerted to influence their judgment and control their decisions. the volume of currency was contracted greatly by the bank and its branches. its concurrence or opposition .its friendship or its enmity. and tens of thousands of skilled workmen were thrown out of employment. Every day it tightened its coils around its helpless victims. whether the people of the United States are to govern through representatives chosen by their unbiased suffrages. in speaking of the banking power. the price of real estate. of every staple article in the market. and laughed at the needless ruin he wrought among his fellowmen. it cannot count its revenues six months ahead without referring to the action of that company . notwithstanding there was abundance in the country. In a message to Congress. mills and factories closed down everywhere. it began calling in its loans rapidly.their gambling theater.

requesting the President to append his signature to the bill renewing the charter of the bank. subsidized by loans ..presumably . evinced a most remarkable talent. That point was now reached. fiery speeches were made. and the legislation of the nation. Distress meetings at the same time and at the same points were held. that gave evidence of a concerted action. A sincere patriot of the purest integrity. in the speeches delivered. and in the resolutions adopted. 27 He was conversant with the traitorous conduct of the bank during the war of 1812. the business interests. speeches. But the hero of New Orleans was as immovable as the Rock of Gibralter. and he concurred in the declaration of Jefferson that. with a profound insight into the principles upon which our Government rested. " In speaking of the firmness displayed by President Jackson against the arrogance of the bank. There was a singular identity in the editorials written. and to accumulate in its vaults the national revenues.26 The great journals of the leading cities.and delegating it to individuals or to corporations for their gain. Andrew Jackson was in many respects the most remarkable man in American history. with a clearness of mental vision that was unsurpassed. ultimately controlling the press. and strongly worried resolutions were adopted. He was utterly opposed to the Government abdicating its highest sovereign function. He well knew that to transfer to a private corporation for its gain.. the distinguished historian Bancroft says: -
. the issuance and control of the currency of the country. and resolutions. he plainly saw that the interests of the bank were wholly at variance with that of American liberty. for combining the various means of influencing President Jackson. "Banks of issue were more dangerous to the liberties of the people than standing armies. This similarity of sentiments and language in the journals.the issuance and control of the currency.teemed with editorials denouncing President Jackson anti defending the course of the bank. would eventuate in building up a moneyed monopoly.

that a monopoly should only bc granted when it returned a fair equivalent to the people. if I failed to do what I hold so essential to the liberty of my country. 'I may die. therefore. whence it originated.
. and it ranks in importance with the Declaration of Independence.000. "Providence may change my determination. whereupon the President remarked.000. that. He showed that while its capital stock was fixed at $28. which have resisted the rolling ocean from the beginning of time. accompanied with his veto message.' " Bancroft further says. it increased the value of its stock far above its par value. and for this immensely valuable franchise the Government would receive the pitiful sum of $200.000 to the value of the stock. when the subject of chartering the bank was brought forward. to confer this privilege upon the bank would add the enormous sum of $17. The President laid down the fundamental principle.' It was urged that haste was unnecessary.000 per annum. 28 Notwithstanding the immense prcssure brought to bear upon him."When the period for addressing Congress drew near. 'before another Congress comes together. 1832. which was a masterly exposition of his views upon the true principles of free Government. and that the premium received there from by the Government be paid into the national Treasury to lighten the burdens of taxation in lieu of its bestowal upon a few wealthy citizens. the President and some of his friends were standing over the rocks of the Rip Raps. as the bank had still six unexpired years of chartered existence. looking out upon the ocean. The first reason assigned by the President in his objections against the 'renewal of the charter of the bank was. President Jackson. and I could not rest quietly in my grave. which operated as a gift of many millions to its stock holders. The President replied. on the 10th day of July. but man no more can do it than he can remove these Rip Raps. that it created a monopoly under the authority of the general Government. returned the bill to the Senate." History fails to record a nobler sublimity of purpose than that displayed by President Jackson during the war of the bank upon the people.' he replied. it was still urged that to attack the bank would forfeit his popularity and secure his future defeat.000. 'It is not for myself that I care. upon one occasion when the bank conflict had reached its greatest height. The President advocated the sale of the stock to the highest bidder. and.

that a majority of the shares of its stock might fall into those alien hands. That in 1831.048 in profits to the bank. because net a single share of its stock was owned in its jurisdiction.burdens of Government
.405. yet the state of Alabama could not tax the property of the bank.522. $3. receiving our public moneys.000 of the stock of the present bank was held by foreigners. only $140. it would be more formidable and dangerous than the naval and military power of the enemy. its influence would be thrown against the United States. that this was the most dangerous feature of the plan. 30 The foreign stock holders could not be taxed a single penny on their holdings.640. the agricultural states of the West were paying heavy tribute to the East. that out of $35.He stated that $8. while the nine western states paid $1.598 of this amount the western states contributed $1.041. 29 The President says: "All its operations within would be in aid of the hostile fleets and armies without. only $140. the profits of the bank were $3. Therefore.455.640.000. It will be ascertained that under the operations of this banking monopoly. and holding thousands of our citizens in dependence. non-contribution to the.463.000 of stock. that.455. in the year 1831.048.200 of its stock was held there subject to taxation. chiefly in England.507. The foreign stock holder would be drawing large dividends from the America people without bearing any of the burdens of government. the branch bank at Mobile earned dividends of $95. that the principle of taxation involved in the bill was radically Wrong in this: that only the stock could be taxed where held." He produced figures demonstrating the sectional character of the bank. thus holding a large amount of the stock of this great bank monopoly. and that in the event the United 29 States would be involved in war with that nation. Controlling our currency.598 in the four southern states.000. the four southern states $352. $8. It was further pointed out by the President.500 were held chiefly by Great Britain. This would tend to alien ownership of this bank.140.000 in the eastern and middle states. and $13. and the middle and eastern states $1. as they were beyond the taxing power of the United States.200 were held by the nine great western states.

while at -the same time. fifteen pounds of pure silver were the legal equivalent of one pound of pure gold. on the faces thereof. By act of Congress. nevertheless. France and the other Latin States maintained a legal ratio of fifteen and one half to one. 1834 atter act. saved the nation. be would be compelled to discount the bills of the branch bank. The bullion dealers. a change was made in the coinage laws of April 2. if tendered in liquidation or payment of any balance or balances due to said corporation. and he preserved its independence in 1832. 1834. the legal ratio of silver to gold was fixed at fifteen to one. although the same be. June 28. and shed undying renown upon American arms. reduced the quantity of gold in the gold eagle from 2471/2 grains of pure gold to 232 grains. therefore. These were a few of the reasons assigned by the President in his famous veto message. General Jackson had met the veterans of Wellington at New Orleans. would tend to unify the whole banking interest of the nation into a powerful combination. with the notes and bills of any branch bank thereof. situated at any other place than his residence. the act of June 28. 1834. over on the alert for a profit. The fourth section of the proposed law provided: "That the bills and notes of said corporation. in throttling the corrupt and unscrupulous money power of that day. was deprived of that right."
The right thus conferred upon state banks to pay their debts to the United States Bank. or transmit them to Philadelphia to obtain the cash for them. He saved America then. be received by the said corporation at the bank or at any of the offices thereof. or to such office of discount and profit from any other incorporated bank. or a reduction in the ten dollar gold piece from 270 grains of
. To remedy this. any individual who held currency issued by a branch of the United States Bank. 1815. sent the gold abroad and sold it at a premium. 31 On the 8th of January. that is. and a continued drainage of specie to foreign nations.creating this valuable privilege. made payable at one place only. 1834. that General Jackson. It is now conceded by the most eminent historians of America. and this ratio was maintained until the passage of the act of June 28. and inflicted upon them the most disastrous defeat ever suffered by England. shall. Consequently the United States over-valued silver when compared with gold.

The people remembered the great efforts of the bank to monopolize the entire volume of money in the country. five and ten dollar gold pieces in preference to bank notes.standard gold to 258 grains. The prophecies of those Democrats that Jackson had ruined the party by his contest with the bank were refuted by a decisive vote of the people. silver was undervalued and gold made its appearance in circulation. In the meantime. its minions and dependents denounced this species of money in terms of ridicule. and silver disappeared from the channels of trade. Its subsidized press. and represented the principles of Jefferson. would shudder and recoil at its appearance. it continued its contraction of the
. Henry Clay was put forward as the candidate of the Whigs and of the bank power. in 1832. to the 30th of June. This made the legal ratio of silver to gold stand at sixteen to one. 1833. A corresponding reduction was made in the half-eagle and quartereagle. was the removal of the government deposits amounting to many millions of dollars. and demand United States bank notes as the superior money. The subservient tools of the bank. After the bank so signally failed to obtain a renewal of its exclusive banking privileges. and gladly received the two and one half. 33 From the 1st day of August. By this act. Andrew Jackson was the candidate of the Democratic party. Jackson received two hundred nineteen electoral votes to forty-nine for Clay. a presidential election was held. The object of the passage of this law was to supersede the United States Bank bills by the substitution of gold coin as a circulating medium. A fraction over six per cent of gold bullion was therefore deducted from the gold coins. 1834. and it immediately declared war upon that coin. 32 This substitution of gold coin for bank notes greatly diminished the profits of the bank. when offered gold coin in the ordinary transactions of business.
REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPOSITS
The next step taken by the President to curtail the power of the bank for mischief. it did not alleviate from its policy of inflicting distress and ruin upon the people. however.

its hireling press teemed with abuse against the administration of President Jackson. as early as possible. Attorney General Taney was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by Duane's removal. The directors made a demand upon the bank for an inspection of its books. in view of all the facts within his knowledge. Duane.currency by calling in its loans. that the Government was harassing it on every hand. to investigate its financial condition. entertained the opinion that the bank was insolvent. In this course he met decided opposition to this order in his cabinet. but they were denied access to them. true. and for this act of insubordination he was summarily removed from his office. and complete statement of the expenditures of the bank for political purposes. and an unsafe depository for the public moneys. He had previously communicated his belief to Congress as to the unsafe condition of the bank. the President assumed the responsibility of removing the public moneys from the bank. through the five government directors.Nicolas Bible. the quantity and names of documents furnished by him. Although many millions of public revenues were under its sole charge. the President ordered the Secretary of the Treasury. It had ample time in which to arrange its affairs without seriously crippling the business of the country and its excuse was not valid. Upon a report of the government directors setting forth these facts. by a practically unanimous vote. the official directors submitted a resolution to the full board of the bank. and his charges for the distribution of them. declared its confidence in the institution.
. the sums of money paid to each person. constituting a loanable fund for the benefit of the bank. Similar statements were requested from the various branch offices of the bank. and the order was executed to the letter. showing what amount was paid out for certain purposes. The Secretary of the Treasury. the directors made an investigation with astonishing results. Subsequent events gave satisfactory explanation why the officials of the bank pursued That course in refusing an inspection of the books. requesting the cashier to furnish a statement to the board. The President. but such was its influence in that body. peremptorily refused to obey the command of his chief. 34 To obtain a ful1. In the face of the obstacles thrown in their way to ascertain its true condition. giving as its reasons therefor. The resolution was voted down by the board of directors. In the lawful exercise of his powers. and distributed them among the various state banks. and a substitute was adopted expressing inexplicit confidence in the course of its president . that the House of Representatives. William J.

On the 15th day of April. has assumed upon himself authority and power not conferred by the constitution and laws. It announced its intention to crush the business of the nation. The broker to whom this immense loan was made. respectfully protesting against this implied impeachment of his official acts. President Jackson transmitted a message to the Senate. at which time it was steadily contracting the currency at every point where it was represented by an office. Three years afterward the resolution of Clay was expunged from the journals of the senate. It avowed its purpose to precipitate a wide spread panic. The pressure brought to bear by the bank was directed at the chief commercial and industrial centers. One of these purchasable demagogues owed the bank the great sum of $100." This resolution censuring President Jackson was adopted by the Senate on the 28th of March. The bank still continued its warfare upon the people.100. The havoc wrought by-it was as broad. The President was fated to emerge triumphant from every contest with the banking power. as the range of its operations.The bold stand taken by the President in the removal of the deposits. accumulated a fortune by speculating with this money upon the misfortunes of others. and his defense of his owner was in direct proportion to his obligation to his master . One loan of $1.
. and the deposits restored. 35 The bank pointed to this action of the senate as proof of its great power.000. That the President in the late executive proceeding in relation to the public revenue. and Henry Clay offered a resolution in the United States Senate as follows: "Resolved. 1834. stirred up the wrath of the bank party in Congress. and its course was sustained by politicians as one of self defense. His communication to that body was a magnificent exposition of constitutional law.the bank. and he severely arraigned the senate for passing judgment upon him without granting him an opportunity to be heard in his defense. unless the order of removal was recalled. 1834. Public men who were deeply indebted to it openly upheld its conduct.000 was made by it to a broker in New York City. but in derogation of both.

The petitions. drew a bill of exchange upon France for the amount. requesting him to rescind his order of removal. The bill was transmitted to Paris through the United States Bank as the fiscal agent of the Government. for the payment of them. and various other officers of the so-called distress meetings were selected from those who had supported Jackson for the presidency. vice-presidents. which fact was always announced to the people. the latter power agreed to pay the United States the sum of $5. except through appropriations made by Congress.000. The authorities of France refused to honor the bill. It must be borne in mind. as indemnity for such depredations. and memorials were presented to the President. This high handed procedure was clearly illegal on the part of the bank. and the last fangs of the oppressors were pulled by the removal of these deposits amounting to $40. in attempting to force a suspension of specie payments by the state banks of issue.040 which it claimed as damages for the protestation of the bill. but without avail. a controversy arose between the United States and France with reference to the depredations committed upon our merchant marine by the latter nation during the Directory. and remonstrances presented to the President but served to strengthen his determination to crush the bank. just before it finally expired. under the direction of the President. and transmitted it to Paris to meet the bills so drawn by it. and violative of the Constitution which provides that no money shall be drawn from the treasury. whereupon the bank seized upon the Government funds in its 37 possession to the amount of $170. then drew vast sums of specie out of the banks of New York City. that during the administration of Jackson. memorials. The French authorities failed to pay the first installment thereof. and in the year 1841.000. A treaty had been concluded by the administration with the kingdom of France on the 4th of July. resolutions were adopted. The presidents. Royall says: "It was certainly not too good to do so. it drew immense bills of exchange on Paris. In speaking of the course of the bank. by the provisions of which.000.000. where it had no money. Mr. it is
. To force a suspension of specie payments by state banks of issue. 1831.36 Distress meetings were held everywhere under the auspices of the bank. and it was protested. and the Secretary of the Treasury.

Parton. loans. In speaking of the contest between the bank and President Jackson. politicians of all grades. It was discovered that hundreds of thousands of dollars were expended by President Biddle in influencing elections. The stockholders. developed an astonishing degree of villainy. from 1830 to 1836. 38 The bank again failed to obtain a charter in 1841. by forcing the banks of the city of New York to suspend. says: -
. instituted by the stockholders.proved to have attempted to create a general suspension. to emphasize the panic than beginning to rage. and the great bubble was finally pricked. It was further demonstrated that. or artifice was too villainous or traitorous for the bank to injure the credit of the Government and the happiness of the people. and a complete investigation into its management from 1830 to 1836. and drawing the coin with the proceeds of these sales out of the New York banks and shipping it abroad to meet these bills as they made their appearance there.at this time in great demand .000.000 expended by him for which no vouchers could be found. aggregating more than $30. device. not excepting presidential candidates. during the struggle of the bank for a new lease of corporate life. editors of newspapers. and rascality that was appalling. on the ground of public policy. It consisted in selling bills in unlimited quantities on Paris . the biographer. Perhaps all the facts connected with its management were never made known. corruption. The manner of this attempt was afterward related by its cashier. The bills. The rottenness of the bank then became known. came back protested. and to bankrupt the business interests of the nation. subsidizing the press. got to Paris before the coin. and bribing members of Congress. no trick.000.018. and the results of which more than sustained the charges brought against it by President Jackson and his supporters. for the sum of $1. were. In short. as the reputations of many eminent men. on the completion of this investigation. however. would have been utterly ruined.where it had not a cent to meet them. instituted a suit against President Biddle in the United States circuit court at Philadelphia." This act was committed by the bank to embarrass the government. jobbers and brokers. mostly without security. made by its president to members of Congress.

39 nearly all the book-nourished intelligence. a pretender. he. The career of the United States Rank and its president is an awful monument of warning on the highway of time to come. a crookback. Nicolas Biddle. united in opposition to General Jackson. which. bankpanic with their resultant ruin and misery. The man before whom bowed in fawning adulation great and wise statesmen. a large surplus of public revenues accumulated to the credit of the United States. and which. was responsible for the gigantic conspiracies. a hissing. who. 'and he retired from the presidency amid the plaudits of his countrymen. On the other hand. and various other vile names. is honored as 40 the great constructive statesman of America. the money power was dethroned. merchant princes. nearly all the silver-forked civilization of the country. 1837. near1y all the learning. a fool. March 3. from its ramparts of illgotten wealth obtained by monopoly and special privileges."In these Jacksonian contests. we find nearly all the talent. the founder of American Democracy. was driven in disgrace from his exalted position. the American nation was honored everywhere. Thomas Jefferson. editors of powerful journals. and he died a shameful death almost unknown. and leaders of public opinion. nearly all the business activity. therefore. who represented the country's untutored instincts. During his administration. and rescued a people from financial slavery. he solemnly warned them against the
. who. and the friend of the human race. unhonored. the fame of Jackson shines more and more with the lapse of time." Parton further says that Jackson was called a murderer. In his farewell address to the people. an object lesson to that colossal greed of power. to a very large extent. a traitor. scatters distress and ruin in its train. lived to see his name become a by-word. and a reproach. he. nearly all the ancient wealth. in the magnitude of his financial plans and undertakings. defies the laws of man and the laws of God. to tighten its grip upon the people. the public debt was wholly paid. and unsung. who arrayed dollars against the immutable principles of justice and the rights of man. rivaled the money kings of Europe. an ignoramus. Andrew Jackson is revered as that great leader who regenerated the politics of his country.

and who are therefore ' obliged. ready at all times to execute its man-dates. at its pleasure. or bring ruin upon any city or section of the country as might best comport with its own interests or policy. thus organizing this particular interest as one body. The ruthless and unsparing temper with which whole cities and communities were oppressed. thus perfectly organized. In other words. and that justice must be the basis of public and private conduct. a scene of cheerful prosperity suddenly changed into one of gloom and despondency. and in permitting an expansion. In the hands of this formidable power. would be likely to use it. it asserted (and undoubtedly possessed) the power to make money plenty or scarce. by controlling the issues of other banks. and gave to its advocates the position they have struggled to obtain from the commencement of the Federal Government down to the present hour. the President admonishes the people to be on their guard against the money power. under the direction and command of one acknowledged head. was also placed unlimited dominion over the amount of circulating medium. or compelling a general contraction of the circulating medium according to its own will. upon any occasion. 41 "The other banking institutions were sensible of its strength. The immense capital and peculiar privileges bestowed upon it. thus organized. that special privileges must not be granted to any class of citizens. enabled it to exercise despotic sway over the other banks in every part of the country. and the fruits of labor in every quarter of the Union. and with the other banks necessarily went also that numerous class of persons in our commercial cities who depend altogether on bank credits for their solvency and means of business. and it openly claimed for itself the power of regulating the currency throughout the United States. if not destroy. He says: "But when the charter for the bank of the United States was obtained from Congress. the business of any one of them that would incur its resentment. and to bestow prosperity. In this noble document. at any time. and enabling it to bring forward. its entire and undivided strength to support or defeat any measure of the government. "We are not left to conjecture how the moneyed power. and securing to it unity of action throughout the United States. and in any quarter of the Union. individuals impoverished and ruined. giving it the power to regulate the value of property.
. and they soon became generally its obedient instruments. it perfected the paper system. to propitiate the favor of the money power by distinguished zeal and devotion in its service. The result of the ill-advised legislation which established this great monopoly. From its superior strength it could seriously injure. with its boundless means of corruption. for their safety. The distress and alarm which pervaded and agitated the whole country. was to concentrate the whole moneyed power of the Union.money power. and with such a weapon in its hands. and its numerous dependents. when the Rank of the United States waged war upon the people in order to compel them to submit to their demands. cannot yet be forgotten.

If such was its power in a time of peace. Martin Van Buren succeeded Jackson in the presidency. and the whole system of credit built up by it fell with a crash. a creditor class.
To Chapter II To the Table of Contents
. One was the master." The wise counsel coached in these golden words of President Jackson are now morc applicable than when uttered by him. but powerful in influence. The form of your Government might for a time have remained. but its living spirit would have departed from it. what would it not have been in a season of war. the Government would have passed from the hands of the many to the hands of the few. During the administration of Van Buren. the Independent Treasury Bill became a law. yet. from its secret conclave. constituting a great majority of the people. In the election of 1836. as best suited their own wishes.ought to 42 be indelibly impressed on the memory of the people of the United States. a debtor class. small in numbers.a most salutary reform. but helpless in the grasp of the creditor class. with an enemy at your doors. In fact the bank had so shrewdly manipulated the volume of money. the other the servant. would have dictated the choice of your highest officers. and so absolute was its control over it. and compelled you to make peace or war. The panic engineered by the bank enveloped the people. if you had not conquered. and this organized money power. was consummated by the separation of the public moneys from those of the banks . Thus the work begun by Jackson in-crushing the bank. No nation but the freeman of the United States could have come out victorious from such contest. that society had resolved itself into two classes.

by transferring its sovereign power of issuing currency to accumulate as money among the people. without dependence upon the traitorous class of her citizens.Thomas H. without bearing hard upon the resources of the people or leading the public with an indefinite burden of debt. In the preceding chapter. "The power to issue money should be taken from the banks and restored to congress and the people. Benton "Bank paper must be suppressed and the circulation restored to the nation to whom it belongs. ORIGIN OF THE PRESENT NATIONAL BANKING SYSTEM "She is not dead. in a period of less than fifty years. And to preserve their independence. "I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies. are our dependence for continued freedom. crouching on his belly. but holding her capital and stock holders together under a state charter. and delegating 44 to a private corporation. "Put down the banks and if this country could not be carried through the longest war against her most powerful enemy without ever knowing the want of a dollar. he awaits the favorable moment emerging from his covert and springing on the back of the unsuspicious traveler. had.The Coming Battle
43 CHAPTER II. built up a monopoly that
.". I know nothing of my countrymen. The Royal tiger has gone into the jungle. It was there shown that the United States. we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. and.Thomas Jefferson. she has taken a position to watch events and also to profit by them. the career of the United States Bank was traced from its origin to its downfall. "I am not among those who fear the people." . They and not the rich.

and. when the Southern states attempted to withdraw from the Union. with their consequent ruin of tens of thousands of industries. Heavy taxes of various kinds were levied and collected for the payment of the extraordinary expenses incurred by the war. succumbed to its moneyed influence. and starvation. immense sums of money were needed by the Federal Government to arm. and Calhoun on the floor of the United States senate as the champions of its interests. In 1861. the old United States Bank was a pigmy. When the North and the South were marshaling their respective armies to determine the question of military supremacy. but the latter powers did not resort to the extreme measures of England. Great Britain. the weight of foreign influence was thrown to the southern cause. equip. the result was that great conflict known in history as the civil war. little attention was paid by them to the financial legislation. Resort was had to borrowing money on the credit of the United States by the sale of bonds. 45 During the early period of the war. New York City was the financial center of the country. enacted by Congress. but this was insufficient to meet the expenditures.
. That the panics of 1811. therefore. Clay. Throughout its progress. At that time as at present. the mass of the people werc intently engaged with the gigantic operations constantly carried on during that period. and 1837-41. That it secured the powerful political influence of Webster. were the American agents of the Rothchilds. werc designedly produced by the bank to overawe Congress and the President. 1833. from her antipathy to the people of the United States. That the press of the country. to a very large extent. compared with which.threatened to pull down the pillars of the republic. and the former advised this great banking house that there would be much risk in purchasing American bonds. and maintain her numerous armies and fleets necessary for the suppression of the rebellion. and her course was followed by France and Spain. That it attempted to crush the beneficient administration of President Jackson. August Belmont & Co. with the attendant circumstances of hunger. early recognized the Confederacy. suffering. We now come to consider a system of national banking.

Berlin. by the recognition of her belligerency. for nations. These various issues of currency were uniformly receivable 47
. Polk. who had long looked with jealous eye on the remarkable growth of the American merchant marine. This was net the first time that the Federal Government had issued its notes to circulate as money. and state bank currency. munitions of war. Frankfort. recourse was had to issuing paper money. and these notes were made full legal tender for all debts and demands. are governed in their money transactions largely by their likes and dislikes. It will be remembered that during the war of 1812. and British statesmen predicted the success of the Confederacy. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to issue demand notes to the amount of fifty millions of dollars. and Buchanan. with branch banks at Paris." and had long feared that this republic would snatch its supremacy from her. ere long. and it promised. As the expenses of the Government in 1861-62 were many millions of dollars in excess of its income. the money in circulation in the United States consisted of gold and silver coins. History records the fact that no less than twenty issues of paper money were emitted by the general Government prior to the year 1862. up to the outbreak of the civil war. England. upon the outbreak of the war. England aided the South by money. 1861. By the acts of July myth. the rejoicing in England was immense. It was evident that no money could be secured from England by the United States to maintain the supremacy of the Constitution. like men. and by her moral support.The Rothchilds were located in the city of London. She had for centuries prided herself as the "Mistress of the Seas. These notes so issued at these various times were maintained at a parity with gold and silver coin. and August g. and Vienna. that the people never questioned its value and efficiency as a medium of exchange. In 1861. From the year 1800. to surpass that of Great Britain. our commerce had rapidly grown to bc the second largest in the world. the United States had made astonishing progress as a commercial nation. Nor was this 46 all. and thus relegate her to a second rate power. both public and private. a precedent followed by the administrations of Van Buren. and as but little money could be had by the sale of its bonds. and were a favorite money of the people. Hence. the Government had resorted to this means.

of Net York. except duties on imports and interest as aforesaid. Stevens. except duties on imports. and requested the Committee on Ways and Means of the House. from the leading cities of the country." hastened to Washington. never depreciated a farthing. then and there exerted by these organized bankers on these committees. Owing to some peculiar and powerful influence. or as Hon. Their cashiers and agents were soon on the ground. and demand of every kind due to the United States." This proposed amendment was severely criticized by Mr.000 with full legal tender power for the payment of all debts and demands. a horde of bankers. and by Mr. Stevens denounced the demands of the bankers and said: "A dolefu1 sound came up from the caverns of the bullion brokers and the saloons of the associated banks. debts. a bi11 was introduced in Congress providing for the issue of non-interest bearing treasury notes to the amount of $150. the issue of full legal tender paper money never failed to come to the rescue.
. except for interest upon bonds and notes which shall bc paid in coin. the legal tender clause was modified to read as follows: "That the amount of the two kinds of notes together shall at no time exceed the sum of $150. when bankers and financiers refused to loan money to it. public and private.000. and such notes herein authorized shall bc receivable in payment of taxes. internal duties. Spaulding. During the debate upon the bill as amended. excises. public and private. 1862. her. Therefore. and persuaded the Senate with but little deliberation to mangle and destroy what it had cost the House months to digest. while cowardly gold fled to the rear. and shall also be lawful money and a legal tender in the payment of all debts. and of all claims and demands 48 against the United States of every kind whatsoever. having unlimited legal tender power for the payment of all demands. the fifty millions of demand notes issued under the authority of the acts of July 17th and August 5. "A delegation of bankers and coin venders.000. Immediately. within the United States. 1861. Their request was complied with on the 11th day of February.by the government in payment of its taxes and revenues. and the Finance Committee of the Senate to meet with them at the office of the Secretary of the Treasury. Thaddeus Stevens aptly termed them. of Pennsylvania.000. During the perilous times of the nation. Subsequent to the passage of this act. organized themselves.

Senator John Sherman spoke as follows. But how is this gold to be raised? The duties and public lands are to be paid for in United States notes. It discriminates between the rights of different classes of creditors. In speaking of the bankers he said: "We were foolish to grant them gold interest. "Instead of being a beneficent and invigorating measure. It now creates money and by its very terms declares it a depreciated currency. It makes two classes of money . and thus discredit the obligations of the Government. its enemies charged on the original bill and none of its benefits. who would furnish the coin to pay themselves by getting twenty per cent.one for banks and brokers and another for the people. recalled the action of Congress in demonetizing the greenback at the instigation of the banks. the Great Commoner. In denouncing the amendment striking out the legal tender clause. you tender to these who have furnished provisions and services this paper money." 49 While on his death bed. as his friends loved to call him. it is now positively mischievous. It has all the bad qualities which. was defeated by a vote of 72 to 67." The amendment of Mr." Mr. that any man may decline to receive them. Stevens to place officers and soldiers of the army and navy. I ask again if that is just to the men to whom you have contracted to pay debts? When yon issue demand notes and announce your purpose not to pay any more gold and silver coin. The truth is we can never satisfy their appetite for money. Stevens further said: "Who is this favored classy The bankers and brokers and nobody else. discount on the notes thus bought. to get coin for these very brokers. "If you strike out this legal tender clause you do it with the knowledge that these notes will fall dead upon the money market of the world. allowing the rich capitalist to demand gold and compelling the ordinary lender of money on individual security to receive notes which the Government had purposely discredited. and they or bonds are to be put up at auction. and now they unblushingly demand further advantages. What
.consider and pass. and those who should furnish them with provisions upon the same standing as the bankers and brokers. that they will be refused by the banks. that they will bc a disgraced currency that will not pass from hand to hand. that they will have no legal sanction.

. however guarded and managed. Yes. `wc have had to yield." He further said in this speech of February 13. they can not support their families with it. Wc did not yield until we found that the country must bc lost or the banks bc gratified. Stevens for full legal tender currency. It made gold and silver coin the money of the privileged classes. thus scored the greed of these men. and from this time on the bankers. or as it is commonly called. 1862. without a depreciation. dictated the financial legislation in the United States. sir. The Senate was stubborn. He said: "I am pained to sit in my place in the House and hear members talk about 'the sacredness of capital. and it inflicted a wound upon the nation from which it has not yet recovered.' " The bankers thus succeeded in limiting the legal tender power of the Treasury note. This amendment. the greenback. brokers. shedding bitter tears over the result. of currency. to the issues of any corporation. by which the debt paying power of the Treasury note was restricted within such narrow limits. who composed that traitorous element so justly denounced by Jefferson. that "I much prefer the credit of the United States. must not be touched. Kellogg. 51 It drew distinctions between the various kinds of money issued by the United States. but the great interests of capital. when he returned to the House from the final conference. " In referring to the grand struggle made by Mr. based as it is upon all the productions and property of 50 the United States. with few exceptions. It made the bankers and bond holders a privileged class. Judge Kelley said: "I remember the grand old Commoner with his hat in his hand and his cane under his arm. and speculators have. and wc have sought to save the country in spite of the cupidity of its wealthiest citizens. was a most dishonest act on the part of the government. Mr. 'Yes. and it is strongly condemnatory of his subsequent public career.' said he. they will vote six hundred thousand of the flower of the American youth for the army to bc sacrificed without a blush. of Illinois. that the interests of money must not be touched.can they do? They can not pay their debts with it. during which he became the active ally of the national banks." This language of Senator Sherman was that of undoubted patriotism.

which was afterward sold by him to the importer. a circular was issued by the London bankers. The bond holder was paid his interest on government bonds in gold. It was the consummation of the most dishonest financial scheme ever perpetrated upon a heavily taxed and patriotic people. and pay him a large premium for the coin to mate his payment of the customs levied on his merchandise. from that time. afterward pointed the finger of scorn at this money as a debased currency. thereby greatly enhancing the wealth of the bankers and bullion brokers. which had succeeded in inducing Congress and the President to cripple that currency. therefore.By force of this amendment. As a result of this act as amended. Moreover.the centralized money power known as the national banking system. The bill. impliedly damned their own nefarious conduct by denouncing it as "rag-baby" money. the merchant who 52 paid duties on merchandise imported from abroad was compelled to pay the taxes levied thereon. began the depreciation of the greenback currency. Immediately following the visit of these bankers to Washington. The contents of this famous circular are as follows: -
. which eventually saved the Union. which the holders thereof would strive to perpetuate by every means in their power. and distributed by one Hazard. and it was the first step to fasten on the people the most powerful and merciless tyranny that ever cursed a free people . as amended. and they. and. The banking power. became a law on July 11. in this case the gold gamblers of Wall street. To obtain that kigid of money he must proceed to the bullion broker. It laid the foundation of a stupendous public debt. when they induced the government to rob the greenback of its full legal tender debt-paying power. 1862. This legislation was the result toward which the bullion brokers and gold gamblers of Wall street bent all their energies to procure. coin went to a premium. at a high premium. the principle involved in that act greatly weakened the most powerful element of sovereignty that can reside in a nation. in coin. by placing the control of the value of money in the hands of organized greed. who was their representative in this country at that time.

he reversed his position. upon all the productions and property of the people. in which he stated that he preferred the credit of the United States. by which not less than five persons could. led on by England. and they proceeded to mate known their demands to Congress. or greenbacks. The debt. advanced powerful arguments in behalf of Government legal tender currency. a bill was speedily brought forward by Senator Sherman in the United States Senate. in his able speech of February 13. the line of action indicated in that circular has been consistently pursued from that day to this. most be used as a measure to control the volume of money. This I and my European friends are in favor of. We are now waiting for the Secretary of the Treasury to make his recommendation to Congress. antagonistic to the nation. while the European plan. by depositing with the Secretary of the Treasury 54 United States bonds to secure the circulation of national bank notes as currency." 53 The existence of this remarkable circular has been strenuously denied time and again by the national banking money power. is capital control of labor by controlling wages. to the issue of any corporation however well guarded and managed. This can bc done by controlling the money. as it was. The advice of said Hazard was at once acted upon by the organized banks. It wil1 not do to allow the greenback (as it is called) to circulate as money any length of time. To accomplish this the bonds must be used as a banking basis. who. 1862. based.
.a bill whose passage meant the creation of moneyed institutions."Slavery is likely to be abolished by the war power and chattel slavery destroyed. providing for the incorporation and organization of the present system of national banks as banks of issue . that capitalists will see is to be made out of the war. that Senator Sherman. Is it not exceedingly strange. for slavery is but the owning of labor and carries with it the care of the laborer. this act provided for the incorporation of banking companies. or could be made. financial measure which brought into being a dangerous rival to the Government when it was engaged in a death struggle. for we cannot control it. would thus suddenly change his position? In less than a year from the time he so ably defended legal tender greenback currency. under certain restrictions. and fathered a. Therefore. organize a bank. In substance. Notwithstanding these denials. whose interests would bc.

at its place of business. and no more: 1. seventy-five per centum of such capital. were required to enter into articles of association which should specify. but not exceed one million of dollars. but in any case the circulating notes were not to exceed ninety per centum of the par value of the said bonds. of different denominations. These articles were to be signed by the persons uniting to form the association. To each association whose capital exceeds five 55 hundred thousand. bc organized in any place having a population not exceeding six thousand inhabitants. To each association whose capital exceeds three millions of dollars. except that banks with a capital of not less than fifty thousand dollars could. and has caused its promise to pay such notes on demand to be signed by the president. 3. registered or countersigned. Upon a deposit of United States bonds. No association could bc organized as a national bank with a less capital than one hundred thousand dollars. and cashier thereof in such manner as to make them obligatory promissory notes payable on demand. and the amount of circulating notes to be furnished to each association shall be in proportion to its paid-up capital as follows. with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. ninety per centum of such capital. equal in amount to ninety per centum of the amount of the current market value of the bonds so deposited by the association with the Comptroller. To each association whose capital exceeds one million of dollars.The capitalists thus organizing themselves into a national bank association. in general terms. or vicepresident. circulating notes. and a copy of them was to be forwarded to the Comptroller of the Currency to be filed and preserved in his office. in blank. 2. such association may issue and circulate the same
. 4. but not exceed three millions of dollars. sixty per centum of such capital. The law further provided that after any association receiving circulating notes under this act. the banking associations were entitled to receive from the Comptroller of the Currency. the object for which the association was formed. if bearing interest at a rate of not less than five per cent per annum. eighty per centum of such capital. To each association whose capital does not exceed five hundred thousand dollars.

This act also provided that. in other words. It will at once be ascertained. that the capital of the associations was nearly doubled by act of Congress. the circulating notes issued to them by the United States. deposited by them to secure their circulation drew interest payable in gold. In the first place. and it would bc to the interest of the national bankers. and all other dues to the United States. these banks could select whatever court their interest dictated. except duties on imports. except interest on the public debt. in the time of its greatest peril and distress. as the vast majority of the bonds were held in New York City and other centers of wealth and population. excises. This scheme engineered through Congress by the money power. therefore.as money. by every means in their power. and one-half of one per cent per annum upon the average amount of its deposits. and in redemption of the national currency. and associations within the United States. each association should pay a duty of one per cent per annum upon the average amount of its notes in circulation. It made the circulating notes of these banks a rival to the greenback currency. 56 This provision gave the national banks an advantage over the ordinary citizen. bonds. The United States Government gave the wealthiest men of the country. at this time at a high premium. corporations. made it master of the productive energies of the American people. and were loaned out at a high rate of interest to the customers of the national banks. were nominally money. to drive out and destroy the paper money issued by the Government. although promissory notes payable on demand and therefore debts of the banks. and also for all salaries and other debts and demands owing by the United States to individuals. and a duty of one-half of one per cent per annum on the average amount of its capital stock beyond the amount invested in United States bonds. and. And such notes shall bc received at par in all parts of the United States in payment of taxes. in lieu of all existing taxes. and placed these associations beyond the jurisdiction of the State courts. these national banking associations were authorized to institute suits at law in the United States courts as courts of original jurisdiction. from a study of the national banking law. a gratuity equal to ninety per centum of their banking capital.
. public lands. Second. greatly tended to centralize the currency in the large cities. Furthermore.

enhance or depreciate the value of stocks. are those of taxation. The far-reaching influence of this act of Congress. and is absolutely necessary for its self-defense. Pre-eminent among the various powers conferred upon. issuing. A citizen of a state may become the owner of a home through arduous toil and life-long rigid economy. when invoking the power of levying and collecting taxes. husband. the state. or son. is only limited by the necessities of the State. The strong arm of the Govcrnment can reach every fireside in the land. chartering national banks. The first named power. and of the amount of property upon which it operates. and of coining. and all other forms of property in the United States. or assumed by a sovereign state. therefore. Justice Samuel P. Miller said that "The power of taxation is the power to destroy. yet. bonds. may sweep away this property. becomes apparent. not leaving a vestige for the man whose labor and privations created a shelter for himself and family. and therefore its self-preservation. The power of raising and maintaining armies is inherent in a sovereign state. 57 and. that of taxation. tear him away from the family 58
. It would amount to the self-destruction of a nation. and can drag from thence the father. In a great case before the highest tribunal of the nation.This law placed it in the hands of the money power to contract or expand the volume of money at its pleasure. of raising armies." No man who is endowed with a modicum of intelligence would advocate a transfer of this immense power to a private corporation for its gain. and controlling the volume of money. when the true principles and functions of Government are considered in all their relations to the people.

No sane man would advocate the delegation of this high attribute of sovereignty to a corporation for its individual gain. hinges upon this mighty function of Government. in time of the greatest need of the nation. as such transfer of power would inevitably result in frightful oppression. depends upon the control of the volume of money. or of that resulting from the earnings and accumulations of all past generations. and controlling the volume of money is a far more important function of government than the foregoing. of raising and maintaining armies for its preservation. The power of levying and collecting taxes for the support of the nation. exchange. The alienation of this highest function of the nation to the national banking money power was a high crime against the welfare of the country.
. The value of all property. The power of issuing and controlling money exercises an imperial sway over all productive industry as universal as the law of gravitation upon all matter. whether of the present time. The former is subordinate to the last named power. and which successfully enabled the administration of James Madison to chastise the overweening pride of Great Britain in 1812. No citizen can resist the imperative call of his country when involved in war. Yet. issuing. is dependent upon the control of the currency.circle. this necessary power of Government was delegated to the most traitorous and rapacious system of corporations that ever cursed the people. of civilization itself. and consequently involves the very life of the nation. and it created a powerful moneyed interest antagonistic to the United States. The power of coining. By this transfer of sovereign power to the national 59 banking system. to bear arms. and to lay down his life for his country. when everything most valuable to man was at stake. All commerce. force him to don the national uniform. the Federal Government divested itself of that never failing resource which secured the independence of the colonies. the existence of Government.

Wood at once proceeded to flood Ireland with this base coin. This gross outrage upon that nation aroused the indignation of Swift. and he relates that Sigismund. and in his "Drapier's Letters" he attacked the Government with such bitter satire. the patent to Wood was withdrawn.having used that power as an instrument of great oppression. obtained a royal patent for the coinage of copper half-pence. it being inseparable from the crown. or corporation. having granted this privilege to his vassal. he exerted his voice. the Estates of that country passed a decree in which it was asserted that the king could not grant that privilege. to a private individual. that. or in part.
." Our Government. has been clearly pointed out by the ablest thinkers of a11 ages. gave away its greatest resource in time of peace or war. however. granted the scoundrelly Wood an annuity of fifteen thousand dollars per annum for the period of twelve years as an indemnity! The presumption is. He places the right of coining money among the prerogatives of majesty. one Wood. the illustrious Jefferson clearly pointed out the dangers of banks of issue. for in 1723. and his influence.More than one hundred years ago. the power to issue legal tender paper money. in 1725. Such transfers of the powers of a state have universally resulted in extortion and oppression by those to whom this privilege is granted. and robbed the down-trodden people of that country out of thousands of pounds sterling. in the year 1543. Vattel. viz. in transferring its absolute right of coining and issuing money in whole. The extreme danger of a sovereign power.. the Duke of Prussia. Time and again. Parliament. an Englishman. his pen. in warning the people of the consequences that would inevitably flow from such selfish schemes as the transfer of national powers to corporations. and these grantees . a resource that had time and again come to the rescue of the people while the capitalists held aloof. in the enactment of this national banking law. the great authority on the law of nations. that this great sum of money was given to Wood on the ground that he had surrendered a "vested right. The history of England furnishes a notable example. instances several cases. these privileges were cancelled by the crown on account of the great abuses practiced on its subjects. king of Poland. The kings of France granted the privileges of coin 6o ing money to lords and bishops.

Weaver introduced the following resolution in the House of Representatives: "Resolved. either with or without rebate for such prepayment. and the national banking money power consequently reaped a harvest reaching into scores of millions. Not satisfied with the immense advantages thus obtained from the Government. to obtain these bonds as low as possible. on the 17th day of March. the market price of Government bonds rapidly fell to the lowest mark ever known. that. In July.The principal excuse offered by those who procured the passage of this law was. and would aid in the maintainance of the public credit. would combine to depress the market value of the United States bonds which formed the basis of bank currency. The bond holders and bankers were thus enabled to draw their interest in gold one year in advance. the money power. that it would create a market for bonds. the national bankers. 1864. dispose of it at a high premium to the government and to those who paid duties on imported merchandise. succeeded in securing the passage of a resolution through Congress. who was sacrificing his life for his country. after the passage of this act.85. 61 The very reason advanced by the originators of that system of banking and currency for its creation. The same power depreciated the value of greenbacks for the avowed purpose of increasing the premium on gold. was paid in greenbacks purposely depreciated by the government for whose existence he fought. according to his discretion. and gold gamblers fleeced the people out of millions. national banker. became the strongest reason why the Government credit sunk to its lowest point. and the bond holder. 62 During the Forty-fifth Congress. the bankers. In fact. would lend their assistance to the Government by aiding it to maintain a high price for its obligations. That the Secretary of the Treasury bc and is hereby directed to report to this house
. authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the interest upon bonds. during the most critical period of the war. for the consideration of receiving these circulating notes to loan out at interest as money. while the soldier. James R. 1864. who werc the beneficiaries of this law. because. gold rose to a premium of $2. not exceeding one year. Hon. in advance.

designed to establish a uniform national currency. and the credit of a government rests upon its taxing power. and to whom. to a champion of the national banking system." This remarkable admission will attract attention for the reason. and that there was no public document that would give the information required. based upon the public credit. but that its credit is based upon that of the Government. the senator uses the following language: -
. that the head of the Treasury Department distinctly states that interest had been paid in advance to the bond holders and bankers without any deduction for the use of the money. he expressly admits that the circulating notes of these banks were based on the credit of the Government. To give an excuse for his change of front from an advocate of a legal tender Government currency. Sherman. and guarded by all the restrictions which the experience of man has proved accessary and a system of paper money without limit as to amount. The truth is. containing a record of the interest on bonds paid in advance was this. The department has been in the habit for five years of paying the interest in advance without charging anything. in reply. stated: "That there was no public document that would give the information required. and that it would awaken the just wrath of the people at the subservience of congress to the demands of the gold gambling money power. how much has been paid in advance. The obvious reason why there were no public documents in the treasury department. except for the growing necessities of war. if so.whether he has at any time anticipated the payment of interest on the public debt." This resolution was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. that no safe system of bank currency has ever yet been devised by the wit of man. that it would show a gigantic robbery of the government by the banks and bond holders. limited in amount." In this declaration of the senator. which is its means of self-preservation. with a request to state when he could report. he said: 63 "We are about to choose between a permanent system. and the chairman thereof sent the resolution to the Secretary of the Treasury. In a speech delivered by Senator Sherman in advocacy of the national banking law. The Secretary.

"That every national banking association. To destroy the state banks as banks of issue. and thus save the people the interest on the debt represented by the circulation? The only answer to this question is that history teaches us that the public faith of the nation alone is not sufficient to maintain a paper currency. the national banking money power prevailed upon congress to call into requisition the taxing power of the nation to clear the field of these competitors. why not directly issue the notes of the Government.677.."It is asked.000 in bonds. 64 1863. These bonds could be purchased by lawful money. drawing interest at six per cent. There was yet one rival in the field which the national banks desired to crush. Congress. and compels the Government to act as a redemption agency for the notes of insolvent banks." This great tax thus imposed by Congress upon the issues of state bank currency was effectual in successfully accomplishing its purpose. the national banking law. or of any state bank or state banking association used for circulation and paid by them.218in state bank currency. were driven to the necessity of organizing themselves into national
. which makes United States bonds the sole security for national bank notes." This astonishing declaration of Senator Sherman is proven absolutely false by the provisions of his own act. therefore. thereby meaning United States notes and treasury notes. or state banking association. and to drive out of circulation that species of paper money. In compliance with their demands. shall pay a tax of ten per centum on the amount of notes of any person. There must be a combination between the interests of individuals and the Government. Congress enacted the following law. There was a lapse of six days between the passage of the national banking act and the passage of this act authorizing said bond issue. As the next step to secure the perpetuation of this robbery of the people. on the 3rd of March.000. had a circulation of $238. why look at all to the interests of the banks. The state banks. at this time. and redeemable in not less than ten nor more than forty years. and this was the state banks of issue. authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to issue $900. which. viz. state bank.

and legislation was to bc controlled. the press of the country was to be corrupted. However." The appearance of this infamous circular stirred up the wrath of the people. in order to conciliate the people who werc strongly denouncing the scheme set forth in the circular of Buell. and a wave of indignation swept over the land. the advice tendered to the various banks
. secretary of the New York bankers' committee. to effect the purpose of transferring the control of the money of the country to the dictation of the money power. and will therefore seriously affect your individual profit as banker or lender. See your member of Congress at once and engage him to support our interest that wc may control legislation. The evidence is positive that this circu1ar was issued with the approval. and after the passage of the national banking law. for we can better protect each other. of New York City. and by the orders of the associated banks of New York City. The bankers of the country were urged to combine their power. after the 65 organized banks had secured the passage of the law depriving greenbacks of their legal tender power. especially the agricultural and religious press. issued the following circular to the bankers of the country at large: "Dear Sir: It is advisable to do all in your power to sustain such daily and prominent weekly newspapers. whose name was appended to this circular. The associated banks of New York City. let the Government issue the coin and the banks issue the paper money of the country. and this tended to a further consolidation of the money lending interests of the country. one James Buell. and that you withold patronage and favor from all applicants who are not willing to oppose the Government issue of money. announced that this document was issued without their knowledge 66 or authority. Mr. was rewarded by an election to the presidency of the Importers' and Trailers' National bank. The nefarious schemes of the money power werc set out in this circular with startling distinctness. as will oppose the issuing of greenback money.banks. During the early part of the year 1864. In the first place. To repeal the law creating national banks or to restore to circulation the Government issue of money will bc to provide the people with money. Buell. a position which has given him much power and prestige as one of the money kings of Wall street.

1867. At. and this was done during a time whcn the government was in need of funds to suppress the rebellion. the national banks. Hugh McCulloch. that have disgraced and cursed the manufacturing and mining states of the Union.000. dishonorable money. therefore. The method of redemption was the substitution of temporary loan certificates in lieu of these
. It was during the corrupt period of the war that immense grants of public lands were made to railway corporations. have carried into execution the baleful plan outlined in that document. and secondly. After the suppression of the state banks of issue. He had gone so far in his opposition to the United States notes and treasury notes as to denounce them as "disreputable. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to retire from circulation United States notes to the amount of ten million dollars. factories and mines of the United States werc flooded with the Slavs. 1866." Secretary McCulloch immediately proceeded to remorselessly contract the volume of legal tender notes.000. and various other nationalities of Europe. On the ad of March. amounting to nearly one hundred million of dollars were made to the Pacific railway companies. Huns. on the 12th of April. Hon. that donations of United States bonds. Bohemians. from that day to this.of the country was in complete harmony with the intentions of the money power. was Secretary of the Treasury. which.000 of them were withdrawn from circulation by the issue of interest bearing bonds in exchange therefor. 1866. an act of Congress was duly signed by the President providing for the withdrawal and cancellation of the United States notes and treasury notes. the next step of the national bank was directed toward 67 the destruction of the greenbacks and United States notes. and. thereby laying the foundation for the countless race and labor riots. an act was adopted by Congress providing for the redemption and retirement of the compound interest notes. until $94.000 and which circulated as money. and a bitter opponent of the legal tender currency. Poles. at this time were outstanding to the amount of $159. within six months after the passage thereof. This act provided that. as the various acts of congress and subsequent history abundantly prove. and for every month thereafter a sum not to exceed four million dollars. the time of the passage of the act of April 12. the mills. It was during this period that Congress passed the notorious foreign contract labor law. a national banker. through the operation of which.

000. Furthermore. "An Act to Strengthen the Public Credit. On July 25. and national banks were authorized to count
68 such certificates as part of the Reserve Fund provided in the national banking law.000. that the scheme set forth in the circular of James Buell was being carried out to the letter.000." was signed by President Grant. the United States solemnly pledged its faith to make provisions at the earliest practical period for the redemption of the United States notes in coin. with treasury
.000. The provisions of the Credit Strengthening Act declared that the public faith is solemnly pledged to the payment of the interest and non-interest bearing obligations of the government in coin or its equivalent. a bi11 entitled. Let it be remembered that this bonded debt was purchased. the national banking money power was gradually succeeding in driving the legal tender currency oat of circulation. It will be seen. The acts of March 2.000. and they bore interest at the rate of three per cent per annum. made every dollar of the bonded debt of the United States payable in gold and silver coin. 1868.1867. except where the law authorizing the issue of such obligations has expressly provided that the same may be paid in lawfu1 money. and July 25. and usurping the functions of government by the issue of bank notes. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to issue additional loan certificates to the amount of $25.000. Step by step. made a further contraction of money to the amount of $75. 1869. This so-ca11ed Credit Strengthening Act. The amount of such certificates was fixed at $50. It 69 was estimated by the ablest public men of the day that this rascally piece of legislation added six hundred million dollars to the wealth of the national banks and bond holders. by force of its provisions.notes. On the 18th of Match. or other currency than gold and silver. in perpetuating the public debt by the issue of long time bonds. therefore. 1868. to a very large extent.

by n heavy reduction of the public rev70 enues. the Federal authority was re-established over the South. slavery. and other foreign nations. It should further be borne in mind. It was a matter of prime interest to the manufacturers to maintain the present high rate of duties on imports. while at the same time they were enabled. there would be no national banks. it was admitted.the last plea of tyrants . the public debt was being rapidly paid. Belgium. and at the same time secure the removal of the taxes on incomes. 1864. During the war heavy duties were laid upon imported goods. Austria. Italy. insurance companies. and that a very large portion of these bonds ware bought with greenbacks when the latter were worth but forty cents on the dollar in gold. which exceedingly alarmed the national banking money power. railway companies. first . that for more than three years prior to the passage of this act. second . who desired the perpetuation of the bonded debt of the United States. Owing to the enormous revenues collected by the Federal Government. the treasury notes and United States notes were appreciating in value every day since the establishment of peace. Moreover. peace had be in restored.by funding the present debt into long time bonds. wares. to import cheap labor by the wholesale from China. which. manufacturers. and excises were collected on tobacco and spiritous liquors. were continually adding wealth to the holders of United States bonds. the cause of the war. was abolished.notes purposely depreciated by act of Congress. the national banks sought by every means in their power to secure the perpetuation of the national debt. and various other forms of internal revenue. Germany.as an excuse for voting hundreds of millions of dollars to the least patriotic of American citizens. the manufacturers desired the perpetuation of a huge public debt which would necessitate the raising of large revenues to meet the interest charged thereon. those members of Congress who voted for that measure could not even urge necessity . The subsequent action of these two interests taken in connection with the legislation procured
. The manufacturing interests of the country were protected from the competition of foreign goods. Therefore. manufactures. Furthermore. under the provisions of the foreign contract labor law of July 4. for without bonds. Russia. taxes were levied on incomes. therefore. and merchandise by a very high tariff. and this result could be obtained in two ways. it would be to the interest of the national banks and manufacturers that Congress should make extravagant appropriations for the support of the Government.

72 To attract the support of the manufacturers. should give utterance to such an absurd statement. Kelley. was the outspoken advocate of the manufacturing interests on the floor of the house. and he. he says: -
. " He laid down the following monstrous principle: "We lay down the proposition that our national debt." We can easily conceive why Jay Cooke. Mr. That the Committee on Ways and Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency of immediately repealing the provisions of the internal revenue law. To extinguish this capital and lose this wealth would be an inconceivably great national misfortune. Cooke is an interested witness in the support of the ridiculous maxim "That a public debt is a public blessing. and as such agent had negotiated the sale of government bonds in England and America to the amount of several hundred million dollars." He was realizing millions in the way of commissions by negotiating the sale of bonds. abundantly prove that the foregoing statements are true. was the agent of the United States Treasury. Hon. therefore. Jay Cooke. the alleged great financier. whereby a tax of five per cent. As early as 1867. In 1867.000 to the previously realized wealth of the nation." The resolution was unanimously adopted. To pay this debt would be to extinguish this capital and lose this wealth. 71 "Resolved. "The funded debt of the United States is the addition of $3.by them from congress. made permanent and rightfully managed. It is three thousand millions added to the available active capital. Cooke declared that the income tax should "Be scornfully abandoned and that right speedily. At the same time.000. Mr. assumed the position of spokesman for the national banking interests.000. the head of a great banking firm in Philadelphia. he offered the following resolution. is imposed on the mechanical and manufacturing interests of the country. William D. member of Congress from Pennsylvania. will be a national blessing.

Representative Kelley. and does not meet the approval of this house.
. and brought their combined influence to bear upon congress. That the war debt of the country should be extinguished by the generation that contracted it. that the man who gave utterance to these vicious propositions was overtaken with calamity. the more it received frown the hands of the government the more ravenous its demands. congress eventually repealed the tax on incomes. has got to have the basis of a national debt.000. unequaled in industry and untrammeled in enterprise. railroads. There is no other foundation for it to stand on that will impart to it at once safety and nationality."The maintenance of our national debt is protection.000. introduced the following resolution in the House: "Resolved. amounted to $227. The destruction of it by payment is bondage again to the manufacturers of Europe. and the tax on perfumes. and reduced the excise tax on whisky and tobacco.000. manufactures. The national banks at once joined hands with the manufacturing interests. insurance companies. it procured the passage of the Funding Act through a venal and corrupt congress. known as "Pig Iron" Kelley.000 per annum. " This resolution was adopted. will require. its greed was insatiate. the total taxation remitted by the general government. The national banking money power was not yet satisfied. On the first day of the session of Congress in 1867. bank checks. is not sustained by sound principles of national economy. he says: "That is not a hazardous opinion which declares that in less than twenty years our national bank circulation will be $1." It wi11 be well to state here. at the behest of the sordid wealth of the country.000. 73 In all. As a result of the combined influence of the national banking money power and the manufacturing interests. and the gigantic failure of his banking house heralded the great panic of 1873. and on the 14th of July. The currency that sixty-one millions of people." In his appeal to the national banking money power. Such was the process by which ill-gotten accumulated wealth escaped taxation. 1870.

000. he was further authorized to issue bonds to the amount of $1. but payable at the pleasure of the United States. national banks should deposit registered bonds of any denomination not less than one thousand dollars. as well as from taxation in any form by or under state. and to redeem the 5-20 bonds. hitherto exempted from payment in coin by the Credit Strengthening Act.000. per annum. at not less than par. or he was authorized to exchange the 5-20 currency bonds. after fifteen years from their issue. but payable at the pleasure of the United States after thirty years from the date of their issue. and the said bonds shall set forth and express upon their face the above specified conditions. be made payable at the treasury of the United States.
. redeemable in coin of the present standard value. municipal or local authority. When the Funding bill was originally introduced. 1870. It authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds to the amount of $200. we will refer to a few facts that have become history. section eight provided that on and after the 1st day of October. and bearing interest at the rate of five per cent per annum. per annum.000.This act was supplementary to the Credit Strengthening Act of March 18. as security for their circulating notes. and shall. after ten years from the date of their issue." The Secretary of the Treasury was authorized. and it went one step farther by providing that the 5-20 bonds should be payable in coin. i 864. for coin. The banks were given one year in which to take advantage of this section to deposit the new bonds in lieu of the former. In case of failure to obey this act. 1870. with the Treasurcr of the United States as security for notes issued to national banking associations for circulation under the act of June 3. their right to issue notes was forfeited. and bearing interest at the rate of four par cent.000 of like bonds. We quote from a portion of the law as follows: "A11 of which said several classes of bonds and the interest thereon shall be exempt from the payment of 74 all taxes or duties of the United States. with their coupons. and bearing interest at the rate of four and one-half per cent. the same in all respects as the others. payable semi-annually in coin. and no other.000. the same in all respects. at the pleasure of the United States. or some multiple of that sum. also a sum not exceeding $300. issued under the provisions of this Funding act. 1870.000 in denominations of' fifty dollars. at their face value for the coin bonds provided for by the Funding Act of July 14. To exhibit the powerful influence exerted upon that congress which passed the Funding act of July 14. 1869.000. to sell these several classes of bonds.

the national bankers swarmed in the halls of Congress and demanded that this section be stricken out. The demands and methods of the banks in seeking the defeat of this section had become so insolent that even Senator Sherman rebelled. but I will explain in a very few words the ' theory of those sections. Nearly all of these bear six per cent interest in coin. and to return the bonds held as security therefor to the association by whom they were deposited. They hold their existence at the pleasure of Congress. The bill containing this section originated in the senate. the three remaining sections of this bill apply to the national banks. The house quailed in the presence of these money kings. The national banks are mere creatures of law. sir. They hold of our securities $346. in lieu of the bonds then on deposit as security for their circulation. At no one time during the history of the national banks did their combined power appear so formidable. He said in reply to their imperious demands: "Mr. if it promotes the public interests. we wi11 not deny them even the payment of six per cent gold interest as long as they are the owners of these bonds. That is much too great a theme for me to enter upon at this stage of the debate. and which Constitutes the circulation of our country. President. the Treasurer and the Comptroller of the Currency were authorized to call in 75 and destroy their outstanding circulating notes. to-morrow. Wc may. "We think it right they should aid us in funding the public debt.000. the vote of the House shows the power of the national banks. The franchise has been valuable to them. and the section was stricken out. and after it passed that body and came up in the house for consideration. annually upon the franchise. But they hold the franchise of issuing paper money guaranteed by the United States. But.On their failure to deposit bonds issued under the act of July 14. and we say 76 to twenty per cent. We will not deprive them of any of them."
. we will not take from them the property they enjoy.-000. and the bill thus amended was sent back to the senate. withdraw their authority. 1870.

cities. nominally at least. purposely depreciated by the Government at the demand of the gold gamblers of Wall Street.to $500. which was nothing more nor less than robbery under form of law. Not only were these bond holders expressly exempted from taxes. and municipal. were made redeemable in coin.500. county. Second. both principal and interest.000. By an amendatory act of January 20. making an annual charge upon the industries of the people of $6.000. the secretary of the Treasury was authorized to increase the issue of five per cent bonds. 1871. It would be presumed that Senator Sherman. Not so.The Senate gave way to the banks.500. the 5-20 bonds. 78 creating a special privileged class who could not be compelled to contribute a farthing toward the expenses of that Government which gave them protection. town-ships. counties.000. of these bonds around the various banks and capitalists who returned them as non-taxable. judging from the vigor of his speech against these monopolies on this occasion. and these monopolies compelled Congress to submit to. but these non-taxable bonds opened a wide door for extensive frauds upon the revenues of state and municipal authorities.per annum.500. state.-000. from $200. would report large holdings of these nontaxable bonds. national. of $62.205. For instance. He became a more devoted servant than ever in furthering the ambition of the national banking money power to monopolize the issue of paper money. This resulted in a gratuity of many millions of dollars to the holders of these bonds. however.000 of bonds so authorized to be issued. to the amount of $722. would subsequently oppose their future demands. their will. purchased with treasury notes. The process by which states. The outrageous legislation embodied in this Funding Act becomes apparent to the reader. and school districts were swindled out of taxes and revenues was by the shifting of the ownership. for which provision was made by the Funding Act. it created a vast debt. making a total interest charge upon the $1. banks and capitalists.000.500. when the time came for them to return their assessments of personal property.000 all of which. was exempt from taxation. In the first place.000. which were obtained
.

in some cases equalling four per cent on the dollar. Each new demand of the national banks met with prompt compliance from Congress.for the occasion. Notwithstanding the fierce opposition displayed by the national banks against the United States notes and treasury notes. as that money which came forward in time of deadliest peril. this subtle power continued to appear at the opening of each session of the national legislature. to avoid the payment of taxes during the period required by law for the return of assessment lists for taxation. was adopted on a larger scale in the case of these non-taxable bonds. whose value appreciated with every defeat of the Union cause. Thus far the national banking money power succeeded in inducing Congress to grant every demand 79 made by it. this resulted in swindling the various local governments out of countless millions of dollars in taxes. voracious money power werc registered upon the statute books of the nation by the most corrupt legislative body in the world. and make new appeals for additional legislation in its interests. The same process by which non-taxable greenbacks were shifted from hand to hand. and since 1870. gold. whose magnificent bravery won the greatest battles of modern times. the loaded dice of stock gamblers. per annum. it will be seen that the actual rate of interest on these bonds ranged from seven to nine per cent. gold. which armed. long-time bonds. and the decrees of this organized. a bill was rushed through Congress by which the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized. the money of kings. nontaxable. and whose heroism secured the perpetuity of American institutions. in his discretion. that vulture which fattened and
. 1871. in spite of the efforts of Congress to withdraw from circulation the war money of the country by funding this currency into interest-bearing. while gold. As these bonds were held to a very large extent in the great cities of the country where taxation is very high. fled at the first approach of danger. The people revered the greenback and United States note. On January 20. It set a premium on perjury. to pay the interest on the national debt every three months. this paper money directly issued by the United States was so popular with the people that a very large amount remained in the channels of trade. equipped and paid more than two million patriots. Not satisfied with the enormously valuable privileges bestowed upon it.

It is unsafe to leave the settlement of this question to Congress. December 3. he gave utterance to this Statement: "The experience and judgment of the people can best decide how much currency is required for the transaction of the business of the country.
. many of which had been originally purchased for less than sixty cents on the dollar. the national banking money power began to advance the argument that the character and. Congress." It sought to educate the people to accept the doctrine. diminished the volume of legal tender currency afloat to an extent equal to the bonds so withdrawn. " The President. During this period. 1874. the Secretary of the Treasury or the Executive. therefore. 1874. 81 President Grant was wonderfully impressed with this great discovery of the bankers and. which permitted these banks to withdraw the bonds deposited by them to secure the circulation of bank notes. and conferred it upon the national banks. and make a large profit by selling them for the premium. volume of money should be determined. as far as lay in his power. In consequence of the further demands of the national banks. tacitly surrendered the constitutional power of Congress and of the Executive to deal with questions of finance. therefore. who assumed to hold the key to all monetary science. amended the National Ranking Act. not by the legislative power of the nation. The operation of the amendment effectually contracted the 1ega1 tender currency of the country.80 thrived upon the carnage of the great civil war. United States bonds had risen to a premium in consequence of the various acts of Congress culminating in the Credit Strengthening Act. the non-interest-bearing notes issued by the Government. but by what was called the "Business interests of the country." and that the solution of the money question must be settled by the national bankers. this act was adopted by Congress to enable the banks to withdraw the bonds deposited by them. and deposit. in his message to congress. in lien thereof as security. Prior to the passage of this amendment. on the 20th of June. for the substitution of United States notes and treasury notes in lieu of the bonds. laughed the appeals of the nation to scorn. and. that it was dangerous to permit congress "To interfere with the dearest interests of the country.

bc. The enactment of this measure carried into execution that part of the Credit Strengthening Act where the United States solemnly pledged its faith to make provisions for the redemption of the United States notes in coin. and who loved to shave notes and bonds when they purchased. D. and new banking associations may be organized in accordance with the existing law without respect to said aggregate limit. and the chief executive was willing to transfer the power of issuing and controlling money to that class of men. the Secretary of the Treasury shall redeem in coin the United States notes then outstanding on their presentation for redemption at the office of the assistant treasurer of the United States. after the congressional election of 1874. of the Revised Statutes of the United States. whose sole ambition was the extortion of the highest rates of interest. The most important section of the Resumption Act is as follows: "That section 5777. so increasing its capital or circulating notes. and the provisions of the law for the withdrawal and redistribution of national bank currency among the several states and territories are hereby repealed. 1879. in the city of New York.000 to the amount of eighty per centum of the sum of national bank notes so issued to any such banking association as aforesaid. And on and after the 1st day of January. and to continue such redemption as such circulating notes are issued until there shall be outstanding the sum of $3. in sums of not less than $50. without respect to said aggregate limit. And to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and provide for the redemption in this act authorized or required. were the national bankers.. One section of this law provided for the substitution of fractional silver coins for the fractional currency. limiting the aggregate. On the 24th of January. it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to redeem the legal tender United States notes in excess of only $3. amount of the circulating notes of the National Banking Associations. which returned a great Democratic majority in the House of Representatives.000 of such legal tender United States notes. he is authorized to use any surplus revenues from time to time in the
. thereby providing for the free coinage of gold at every United States mint. the specie resumption act became a law. and each existing banking association may increase its circulating notes in accordance with the existing law.000. A. and exact a premium when they sold. which now legally meant gold. a 82 subsequent section abolished the charge of one sixth of one per cent for converting gold bullion into coin. and no more. and is hereby repealed. and whenever and so often as circulating notes shall be issued to any such banking association.The people to whom reference is made in this quotation from the President. or so newly organized as aforesaid. 1875.000.

entitled. it did not require the national banks to redeem their circulating notes in anywise whatever. Boston. either of the description of bonds of the United States described in the act of Congress approved July 14. It was gold redemption of the greenbacks by the nation. sell. and the Government was the redeemer of this currency. Baltimore. On the contrary. provided for the redemption of United States non-interest legal tender notes in gold. that the national banking money power might inherit that rich estate of issuing paper money. which were mere promissory notes of the banks. Again: it was a contraction of non-interest-bearing legal tender notes. is found in the express language of this statute. to the extent necessary to carry this act into effect. cost to them of one cent on the dollar. for the great capitalists of New York City. as well as East. and dispose of. `An Act to Authorize the Re-funding of the National Debt. and to issue. South. and other large eastern cities held ninety per cent. While Congress. the latter to be loaned by the bankers at a high rate of interest to the business men of the country.' with like privileges and exemption. without which there could be no national bank circulation. 1870. the instructions couched in the Hazard circular. and expansion by the additional issue of national bank notes. Next. and to use the proceeds thereof for the purpose aforesaid. It was a shrewd scheme to discredit the legal tender currency of the country. West. One of the strange features of this act which assumes to restore specie payments. to the letter. although the national banking law made the United States notes a fund to redeem national bank notes. by its solemn legislative decree. an inflation of 84 paper money by the banks at a. of the United States bonds. as well as North. at not less than par in coin. the so-called Resumption Act provided for the substitution of national bank notes for the non-interest-bearing legal tenders issued by the government.83 treasury not otherwise appropriated. These circulating bank notes cost the bankers one cent on the dollar." A critical examination of the Resumption Act will disclose the sinister purpose of the organized national banking money power to carry into execution. Philadelphia. it repealed that part of the original National Hank Act which provided for the clue distribution of the currency throughout the states and territories. And it speedily resulted in the absolute control of the volume of money by the opulent bankers of the Hast. The domicile of the bond holder
.

and present them for redemption at the sub-treasury. but the plain citizen who could not command fifty dollars of these notes was barred from the benefits of the Resumption Act. railroad wreckers . The banks of New York City are the reserve agents for the many thousand banks scattered over the country. stock speculators. and lasting tenacity in
. Of comparatively humble. The career of President Grant is one of the most unique and instructive in history.determined the location of the national bank. unimpeachable personal integrity. and this was a part of the scheme to perpetuate the national debt. therefore. among which were magnanimity toward the vanquished.and San Francisco. of gold gamblers. prior to the civil war. hold hundreds of millions of dollars in deposits. for the national banks. and the location of the national bank fixed the point at which the currency of the country could only be obtained." At the time of the passage of the laws upon which comment is made. In his character as a man. The reason of this limitation is very apparent. the banks of New York City were enabled to accumulate many millions of United States notes. The United States presented the key of the National Treasury to the national banks. and. General Grant was President of the United States. It was in the character of soldier that he gained an illustrious name.the arena. That fratricidal strife was the tide that carried General Grant from obscurity to the highest pinnacle of renown. he did not. It was a Government of national banks. give any indications of winning that world-wide fame which has become the heritage of the American people. and as Jefferson said: "To swindle futurity on a large scale. with an implied invitation to help themselves to every thing in sight. and by the national banks. the productive energies of the West and South werc at the mercy of the national banks. The two places fixed by this act for the redemption of legal tender notes were in New York City . No sum less than fifty dollars in United States notes would be redeemed. By hoarding the legal tender notes received in the 85 ordinary course of business. Provision was made for the issue of bonds to obtain gold to redeem these legal tenders. but respectable origin. he gave abundant proof of many admirable traits. and therefore.

The creation of a money power. one the master. by which the government delegated its highest sovereign power . whose interests were wholly antagonistic to the welfare of the United States. by which the banks have practically secured a monopoly of the medium of exchange. an alliance. foretold by Andrew Jackson. by refusing to receive its own money in payment of its taxes. A summary of the war legislation. and by which the manufacturers have secured a high protective tariff for their immediate benefit. and his confidence in his trusted advisers was shockingly abused for the furtherance of many selfish and dishonest schemes. Fourth.his friendships. who extort heavy tribute from the productive energy of the American people. Second. offensive and defensive. and depreciated greenbacks for the patriotic soldier who offered up his life for his country. in so far as it relates to the finances of the Government. the other the servant. the effect of which was to enormously increase the untaxed wealth of a privileged class. It was high priced gold for the bond holder. It is this latter fact that gave birth to those shameless abuses and scandals which have sullied the pages of political history. the passage of the national banking law. 86 Yet this distinguished man of iron nerve became as plastic as wax in the hands of those to whom he attached himself.to private corporations for private gain. Fifth. 87 whose combined interests have dominated the legislation of Congress. Many eminent public men are of the opinion that his administration of civil affairs did not tend to the enhancement of his fame. whose unlimited greed has
. of the national banking money power and the manufacturers. Congress at the demand of the bullion brokers and gold gamblers of New York City and Boston. thereby making a permanent creditor and debtor class. Third. purposely depreciated the currency issued by the government by striking out its legal tender qualities. the passage of laws. and at the same time flooded their mills and factories with cheap foreign labor. in which latter attribute he bore a striking resemblance to General Jackson. resulting in a privileged class of capitalists. exhibits these remarkable facts as to the existence of a remorseless money power: First.that of issuing money .

Seventh. and he was the influential agent of the money power who shaped and molded that legislation. was the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate. That Government must be destroyed or it will destroy every monarchy on this globe. or greenbacks.appropriated to its own use the greatest portion of the wealth of the United States. during all this period. and the courts of the country. The brain and wealth of all countries will go to North America. A matured plan to perpetuate the public debt of the United States for the purpose of holding the people in subjection to the money power. the legislative bodies. is hereby subjoined. rules the press. Eighth. and to divest the Government of its 88 undoubted power to issue full legal tender United States notes. the following significant extract from the most influential journal of Great Britain. upon which was reared that imperial combination of moneyed influence which. In 1865 the Times editorially stated: "If that mischievous financial policy which had its origin in the North American republic during the late war in that country should become indurated down to a fixture. to a very large extent. In view of the various financial measures enacted by Congress from 1865. Senator Sherman. then that Government will furnish its money without cost. "It will have all the money that is necessary to carry on its trade and commerce."
To Chapter III To the Table of Contents
. as a part of the plan to fix a permanent debt on the nation. to the passage of the Resumption Act of 1875. the pulpit. "It will become prosperous beyond precedent in the history of the civilized nations of the world. the London Times. An enormously extravagant administration of the Federal Government. all of which tended to greatly appreciate stocks and bonds. Sixth.

borrowers of that currency. which has plunged the people into an abyss of indebtedness from whence they will not emerge for generations. must first pass through the to11 gates erected over the counters of the bankers. The outlines of that great scheme of the national banks. were now plainly apparent.The Coming Battle
89 CHAPTER III NATIONAL BANKS AND SILVER
"The high-handed career of this institution imposes upon the constitutional functionaries of this government. gratuitously bestowed by the government upon the wealthiest moneyed corporations of the United States. met the most sanguine expectations of the men who hoped to rule the industries of the people with an iron hand.duties which they can not avoid. and it became patent that the plan was to be consummated by placing the entire volume of currency in the hands of the bankers. and from which I trust there will be no inclination on the part of any of them to shrink. before they would reach the hands of the mass of the people and thus bc thrown into the channels of trade. bank system."Andrew Jackson. and. and the great majority of our citizens. While corrupt congresses. making them at once the lenders of money. The banks were enabled to lay the foundations of that colossal structure of credit. The success of the national banking money power in securing control of Congress. bartered away the most precious rights of the
. 90 All the industries were compelled to pay usury to the most traitorous class of our citizens. Up to the time of the passage of the Resumption Act. notorious for the infamous scandals which smirched the reputations of some of the foremost men of the Republican party. an oppressive monopoly of the currency of the country. through that body. which aimed to throw the entire business of the country on a credit basis.the banking monopoly saw no difficulty standing in its way to keep it from being the master of all the property and industry. Under the workings of the national. duties of the gravest and most imperative character . all circulating bank notes.

This want of uniform coinage and currency laws was one of the urgent reasons which lcd to the assembling of the constitutional convention that eventually framed the national charter. and the plan was matured in London and Wall street to assassinate the silver dollar. and therefore the bond-holders and bankers of London and New York City decreed that silver must die. which is as follows: "Congress shall have power to coin money. which. the United colonies." The convention which framed this great instrument contained some of the ablest political
. the national banks could not control the volume of money. the position taken by this monopoly wasan essential part of that gigantic conspiracy to demonetize silver. regulate the value thereof and of foreign coin. no people could become great in commerce and industry. Silver dollars meant cash. They knew that without a. a fight must bc waged against the standard silver dollar as a part of the scheme to sustain the supremacy of New York City as the great money center of the country. and. The national bank autocrats saw. and they made haste to strike down the silver dollar. the danger that men91 aced their power. This body of able and learned men. of article one. it must be born in mind.people. of the constitution. provided for a uniform system of money for the people. therefore. they had no national system of money. that prior to the adoption of the Federal Constitution. As a preliminary statement of the reason for the opposition of national banks to the coinage of silver. national system of coinage and currency. national bank notes meant credit. had no popover to establish mints. The power of determining what should constitute money. The bank monopoly at once caught the alarm. therefore. in their fears. Under the free coinagc of gold and silver. and. nature came to the rescue by affording a great supply of that most precious metal silver. furthermore. under the Articles of Confederation. men of the East. would become the regenerator of the financial condition of the people. an adequate supply of silver meant the freedom of the agricultural districts of the West and South from the Financial domination of the cent per cent. in the rich deposits of silver in the Western States. and thus maintain its grasp on the property of the people. justly celebrated for their wisdom and knowlcdge. was lodged in the general government by that part of section eight. Moreover.

Alexander Hamilton. is as follows: "That the money of account of the United States shall be expressed in dollars or units. values and descriptions. Congress. dimes or tenths. of the following denominations. or 270 grains of standard
. each to be of the value of ten dollars. and Goveneur Morris These distinguished men knew that the essential nature of money was its function as a medium of exchange. silver. The Coinage Act of April 2. the eminent banker. among whom werc Benjamin Franklin. to whom belongs the honor of inventing and establishing that great reform. or units. and after the election and inauguration of General Washington to the presidency of the United States. and not law. struck and coincd at said mint. cents or hundredths. and they knew that this function was impressed by the sovereign power of the nation. 1792. Eagles. rather than left to the ability of those who corner gold and silver to enhance their profits.economists and financiers of that day. and to contain 247 1/2grains of pure. and copper. fixes the value of money has never been recognized as sound doctrine until the national banking monopoly demanded the power of issuing currency as a vested right. Upon the adoption of the Constitution. Robert Morris. to bc situated and car93 ried on at the sent of the government of the United States for the time being. a mill the thousandth part of a dollar and that all accounts in the public offices and all proceedings in the courts of the United States shall be kept and had in conformity to this regulation. mills or thousandths. was based on the decimal plan which sprung from the imperial intellect of Jefferson. "That a mint for the purpose of a national coinage be and the same is established. "There shall bc. The system of coinage adopted by Congress. on the 2d of April.. 1792. viz. a cent the hundredth part of a dollar. the power to coin money and to regulate its value. The absurd theory of our modern statesmen that commerce. James 92 Madison. coins of gold. was decreed to fall within the sphere of the lawmaker. from time to time. Hence. enacted the first coinage law under the new order of things. a dime being the tenth part of a dollar.

and to contain 5 1/2 pennyweights of copper. or 416 grains of standard silver. or201/6grains of standard silver. The money thus coined would not be compelled to go through the banks as intermediaries before it reached the channels of trade.gold. It may be inquired why the Spanish milled dollar was taken as the basis of the American unit of
. the statute made fifteen pounds weight of pure silver equal in value in all payments to one pound weight of pure gold. or 413/4 grains of standard silver. and that the bullion so brought shall be there assayed and coined as speedily as may after the receipt thereof. and to contain 123 3/4 grains of pure. Half dollars. Half eagles. each to be of the value of one hundredth part of a dollar. was fixed at fifteen to one. This coinage law was the joint product of the study and research of Hamilton and Jefferson. placed gold and silver coinage directly in the hands of the people. each to be of one-fourth the value of the dollar or unit. Half dimes. each to be of the value of five dollars. Quarter eagles. 1792. Quarter dollars. Half cents. and to contain 11 pennyweights of copper. and that free of expense to the person or persons by whom the same shall have been brought. that is to say. Dimes. and it made the silver do1lar containing 371 1/4 grains of pure silver. or 135 grains of standard gold. and to contain 18 9/10 grains of pure." The free coinage thus provided for by the act of April 2. each to be of the value of half a cent. or 671/2grains of standard gold. each to bc of the value of two and one-half dollars. in order to their being coined. each to be of the value of a Spanish milled dollar. Cents. and to contain 92 13/16rains of pure. as the same is now current. Section Fourteen of this act provided for the free coinage of gold and silver in the following language: "That it shall be lawful for any person or persons to 94 bring to the said mint gold and si1ver bullion." The ratio of the value of gold to silver in all coins provided for by the act of April 2. and to contain 18 55/8 grains of pure. Dollars or units. and to contain371/8grains of pure. and to contain 61 7/8 grains of pure. or 208 grains of standard silver. each to be of the value of one-twentieth of a dollar or unit. or 104 grains of standard silver. 1792. or units. each to be one-tenth of the value of a dollar or unit. the unit of account in the exchange of commodities and for the payment of debts. and to contain 371 1/4 grains of pure. each to be of half the value of the dollar or unit.

1799. and the adoption of a coin similar to the Spanish dollar facilitated trade wonderfully.ooo. California. The same act of congress made the Spanish milled dollar and the crown of France. a large number of Spanish coins were in circulation in this country. At that time. the gold coins of Great Britain and Portugal. were made legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands within the United States. the greater portion of South America and the West Indies. Nevada. and saved the dying industries of Europe from total extinction. that poured hundreds of millions of the precious metals into the lap of European commerce. During the period that the Spanish colonies poured forth their streams of wealth. A single mine of South America produced silver to the amount of $6oo. which were silver coins. Spain was the great dominating power in the western hemisphere. and its adoption as money saved the expense of re-coinage. and she exercised jurisdiction over what is now Texas. First. 18o6.ooo. The reasons why this young republic appropriated the Spanish milled dollar as the model upon which to base its coinage laws were these. the Central American States. To give the reader a correct understanding of the coinage laws of the United States from 1790 to 1873. the following summary of the various enactments of congress providing for the mintage of gold and silver coins will be necessary. The act of congress of March 2. On April 10. and made them legal tender. second. the people were familiar with the Spanish milled dollar. fixed the value of foreign coins. British historians yet gloat over the naval prowess that robbed an unoffending power in time of profound quiet.account. whose system of coinage did not correspond with that of Spain and her colonies. from 1500 to 18oo. third. and gave the enterprise of this country the advantage over that of foreign nations. legal tender and current in this country.
. New Mexico. and these coins were of a very high standard of purity. the chivalry of Christian England went forth in their piratical craft 95 in a time of peace. Mexico proper. and plundered the Spanish treasure ships of their rich cargoes. the United States maintained an extensive commerce with the Spanish West Indies. It was the mines of the Spanish colonies. as well as those of France and Spain.

dimes and half dimes to serve as change. via. Portuga1. France and the Latin countries adopted a legal ratio of fifteen and one half of silver
. On the 28th of June. Brazil. 1834. the amount of standard gold in that coin was reduced from 270 grains to 258 grains. this act fixed the value of the Brazilian dollar. was reduced from 247 1/2 97 grains of pure gold to 232 grains. Peru. and passed current as money within the United States for the payment of all debts and demands at the rate of one hundred cents to the dollar. & France. which ratio undervalued gold. Portugal. it was a useless expense to coin these dollars. the quantity of gold in the eagle. Secretary Ingham said that President Jefferson ascertained that the newly coined silver dollars. quarter dollars. the following silver coins were made of legal value. bright. Ingham. were shipped out of the country by speculators. it was more desirable to coin silver bullion into half dollars. 1792. or ten dollar piece. 1834. being of full weight. and Columbia werc made legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands within the United States. Since 1803. the legal ratio of silver to gold was fifteen to one. third.. public and private. France and Spain were received in payment by the United States on account of sales of public lands. Mexico. the gold coins of Great Britain. second. and Central America. By act of Congress. and the silver five-franc piece of France and it passed current. March 5. The dollars of Mexico. Under the act of April 5. 1823. Chili. The reasons adduced by him in ordering the cessation of the coinage of the dollar were stated in a report made by Mr. By the same act. the gold coins of Great Britain. when the law made the foreign silver coins full legal tender for the payment of all debts. Secretary of the Treasury under President Jackson.During the year 1805 President Jefferson suspended 96 the coinage of the silver dollar at the United States mint. By act of June 25. and clean. Spain.

with a brazen disregard of truth that approaches desperation. therefore. was withdrawn from circulation here. By the act of January 18. for the plain reason that the mints of the United States remained open to the free and unlimited coinage of both gold and silver. nine hundrcd shall bc of purc metal and one hundred of alloy. was to provide coins of large denominations to take the place of the notes and bills issued by the United States Bank. undervalued silver. provided that the silver does not exceed one half of the alloy. to point to the act of June 28. and. and the alloy of the gold coins shall be of copper and silver. a slight change was made in the alloy in the gold and silver coins. 1834. the weight of the silver dollar and fractional silver coins was slightly reduced. and as a consequence. both public and private. being undervalued in the United States.to one of gold. The material part of that act is as follows: "The standard for both gold and silver coins of the United States shall hereafter be such that of one thousand parts by weight. and sold abroad at a profit by the bullion brokers who were ever on the alert for gain. The congressional legislation by which a very large volume of gold coin was brought into circulation after 1834. The change made the act of June. constantly reiterated in the halls of congress and elsewhere. as the establishment of that system. and the law made these coins full legal tender for the payment of all debts and demands. gold. 1834. By this alteration in the purity of the coin. but the principal reason assigned for the overvaluation of gold by the act of June 28. the ratio of that metal to gold being fixed at fifteen and ninety-eight one-hundredths to one. 1837. 1834. President Jackson fought the United States Bank with a gold coinage as a legitimate weapon to conquer that money power. In other words. The silver dollar still remained the unit of account. 98 It is an absolute falsehood to assert that the single standard of gold was adopted by this nation in 1834. Was directly opposed to that policy which secured he demonetization of silver in 1873. It has become the settled policy of those financiers who so urgently advocate a single standard of gold. This has been the gist of the numberless arguments of the gold standard advocates. and the alloy of silver coins shall be of copper. The standard of purity was fixed at nine tenths of pure metal to one tenth of alloy. the standard was raised.
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and the gold dollar shall be a legal tender for one dollar. The value of these gold pieces were respectively fixed by referring them to a unit. "For all sums whatever the double eagle shall be a legal tender for twenty dollars. half dollars.. as originally fixed by the act of April 2. that of the half eagle 229 grains. was retained in the standard dollar. By act of congress February 21. the quarter dollar of the weight of 103 1/8 grains. and it remained the unit of account and was of unlimited legal tender.coins of gold of the following denominations and value. We will quote the exact language of this statute. double eagles. This fact is borne out by the act of March 3. the half dollar of the weight of 206 1/4 grains. and conformably in all respects to the standard for gold coins now established bylaw . "And that dollars. the dime or tenth part of a dollar of the weight of 41 1/4 grains. the coinage of which was provided for by the act of April 2. which is as follows: "There shall be from time to time struck and coined at the mint of the United States and branches thereof . viz. 99 "And that for all sums whatever."Of the silver coins the dollar sha11 be of the weight of 4121/2grains. the eagle shall be a legal tender of payment for ten dollars. each to be of the value of twenty dollars or units. while the pure silver of 3711/4grains. 1792. quarter dollars. dimes and half dimes shall be legal tender of payment according to their nominal value for any sums whatever. and up to this time the sole unit of account in the United States from which calculations werc made was the silver dollar. 1792. and that unit of the exchange value of money was the silver dollar. 1849." The alloy in the silver dollar was reduced in quantity. the weight of the eagle shall be 258 grains. which provided for the coinage of double eagles and one dollar gold pieces. a change
.conformably in all respects to law. "Of the gold coins. each to be of the value of one dollar or unit." This statute explicitly recognizes a unit. and the quarter eagle for two and one-half dollars. and gold dollars. the half eagle for five dollars. 1853. and the half clime or twentieth part of a dollar of the weight of 20 5/8 grains. and of the quarter eagle 64 1/2grains.

and the remedy applied. when they would be gainers by its coinage into light weight fractional coins. would not coin their bullion into silver dollars. but left the coinage of the silver dollar free and unlimited. and limited their legal tender debt-paying power. and it is a safe one for the ordinary Individual. one-fifth and one-tenth of the weight of the half dollar. "From time to time there shall bc struck and coined at the mint of the United States and the branches thereof conformably in all respects to the standard of gold coins now established by law. and the quarter dollar. the evils sought to be corrected.100 was made by reducing the weight of the fractional silver coins. dime and half dime shall be respectively one-half. Congress correctly foresaw that the owners of silver bullion. The highest courts of the land have adopted this principle as the cardinal rule in the interpretation and constrution of statutory law.
. from motives of self interest. a coin of gold of the value of three dollars or units. which was the first legislation limiting the legal tender quality of silver coins. To remedy this. consequently the silver dollars were withdrawn from circulation and sold as bullion in the European markets at a profit. Congress reduced the weight of the 101 fractional silver coins. The language of this statute is as follows: "That the weight of the half dollar or piece of fifty cents shall be 192 grains. In order that we may ascertain the intention of Congress in enacting this law." This act. "The silver coins issued in conformity with the above section shall be legal tenders in the payments of debts for all sums not exceeding five dollars. it will be necessary to look at contemporaneous history. the bullion in the silver was more valuable as a commodity than the bullion in the gold dollar. is pointed to by the single gold standard advocates as a demonetization of silver. At the time of the passage of this act of Congress.

" In this volume he strongly urges the demonetization of gold. Another reason for the enactment of this statute arose from the fact that the miners of California and Australia were pouring hundreds of millions of dollars of gold into the arteries of commerce. we have only to select those whose income will not find itself augmented naturally and by a self-adjusting process. in gold. The national creditor is the characteristic type of this class of sufferers. to have attained in a gold currency double the price which they are at present worth. from the moment that the monetary crisis is terminated. and that its purchasing power had greatly fallen. Michel Chevalier. a member of the Council of State of Napoleon III." In summing up his arguments in favor of the demonetization of gold. or from the liberal professions. or unit. published a work entitled. all other things being equal. ought. giving as his reason for this position that it was becoming too abundant. and a number of leading financial writers of France and Germany urged their respective countries to demonetize gold. All those persons whose incomes. expressed in monetary units. "The Probable Fall in the Value of Gold. but it would need only 384 grains for the coinage of two half dollar pieces. and with all personal services. in exact proportion to the fall. from the present. remain the same would be injured by the change to the extent of the half of their income. was embodied in that law for the express purpose of preventing their exportation to foreign countries. as is the case with government funds. The limitation of legal tender power of the fractional silver coins under the act of 1853. for the express purpose of increasing the value of bonds and annuities. at this time. Chevalier states the following conclusions: -
. Chevalier says: "If we would particularize the persons who would be more or less deeply affected by the fall in 102 gold. fixed.It would require 4121/2grains of standard silver for a one dollar piece. "All commodities excepting gold and every kind of property excepting that of which the income is. whether rendered in the factory or on the farm. It wi11 be the same eventually with wages (that is to say wages would double).

the national creditor. Chevalier sums up the effect of a change from falling prices to rising prices." In his plea for the bond holders. Every national banker. and single gold standard financier is in favor of that system of finance. He says that the coinage of those large 103 amounts of gold from the mines of California and Australia will double the volume of money. merchants. and that the bond holder would suffer loss. that in an important sense those who receive them live rather on the present labor of others than upon past labor." Chevalier positively admits that a small volume of money benefits a very small number. Hc truthfully states the reasons why he urges the destruction of gold as money. It is another class of persons. the properties of lands. be it their own or that of their fathers. and their auxiliaries of every kind. Real property. it will injure those who live on the fruits of past labor. "It remains to add that in society as it is at present organized. whom we have previously defined in a general way who have to submit to n sacrifice in the proportion to the fall in the precious metal. Chevalier. the widow. and the orphan will be the sole beneficiaries of a contracted volume of money?
. the number is very small of those whom it can truly be said that they live on the fruits of past labor. and other real estate. rents. Finally. will all find themselves in the end compensated in the new state of things with advantages which they now enjoy. public functionaries of all ranks. because the laboring man. all other things being equal."Thus as a definite analysis. unlike those American financiers who worship a single standard. houses. in which he said: "In time the change will profit those who live by present labor. displays one admirable trait. and the interest of investment depend in such a degree on the present labor of those who pay them. and also those who follow the different learned professions. and therefore diminish its purchasing power one-half. and those are the most undeserving. The American gold standard advocate is not so frank in his reasons for a single standard. In this respect it will act in the direction with the greater part of those evolutions which are accomplished in virtue of the great law of civilization to which ordinarily we assign the noble name of Progress. manufacturers.

wares. 1853. and he was authorized. widows. a great struggle arose in Germany and Austria to obtain silver. and orphans are the chief stock holders in national banks. and thus the volume of silver in circulation here was protected from exportation to the silver standard countries. showing that the workingmen.The arguments of that class of political economists teem with figures. Therefore. and the assistant treasurer at New York was made the treasurer of such assay office. in the execution of that policy. that the poor toiler. in the payment of all debts due to 105 the United States at the port of New York for the full sum therein certified. the fear of this phi1anthropic (?) class of disinterested patriots. "To issue his certificate of the net value thereof payable in coins of the same metal as that deposited. and. hence. and pay the duties imposed upon his goods with said certificate. upon the deposit of gold or silver bullion or foreign coin. and the ascertainment of its net value. loan and trust companies. the friendless widow and orphan must be protected by a single standard of gold! Germany and some of the sma11er European states actually demonetized gold in 1857. Congress now cndeavored to supply the people with a uniform system of gold and silver coinage. and that they constitute the largest class of depositors in savings 104 banks. obtain a certificate for the amount of its value. would take his foreign coin to the assay office. ingots. Furthermore." The certificates so issued by the assistant treasurer were made receivable at any time within sixty days from the date thereof. Congress reduced the weight and limited the legal tender power of the minor silver coins. for the assaying and casting of gold and silver bullion and foreign coin into bars. Such foreign coins were cast into bars and transformed into coins of the United States. have its finencss determined. and merchandise at the custom house. enacted the law of March 3. in the payment of the duties on goods. From the action of these states in thus attempting to cripple the Unite<1 States by demonetizing gold. Thus the foreign importer. which provided that the Secretary of the Treasury should establish an assay office in the city of New York. and adopted a silver standard. and going on a silver basis. or disks. to prevent these countries from drawing their supp1ies of that metal from the United States.
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dates the origin of gold and silver certificates. 'and it endeavored to supply the people with a volume of coins stamped in American mints. and the sixteenth of a dollar.ooo. From 1859 to 1873 but few changes were made in the coinage laws. From the act of March 3. The reason for the repeal of former laws declaring foreign gold and silver coins legal tender was based on the following facts: first. Congress fixed the value of the fractional parts of the Spanish pillar dollar. or piece of two reals at twenty cents. and the issuance of these certificates was of great convenience to the owner of bullion and such coin. and declaring the same a legal tender for the payment of debts. 1853. "The fourth of a dollar. and the capacity of the United States mints being greatly increased. 1859. or half-real. or piece of one real at ten cents. on the other hand. the post offices. the greatest producer of gold in the world. by said repeal. and the Mexican dollar as follows. Six years had elapsed since the passage of the law of March 3. when it reached the enormous sum of $65." These coins at the valuations thus fixed by law were receivable at the Treasury of the United States. was merely an accumulative statute to that act for the transformation of foreign coin into that of the United States. and land office. aimed at a re-coinage of the foreign gold and silver coins into American coins. and the act of February 21. at five cents. viz. and these were comparatively unimportant in their nature. Prior to 1861. from 1848to the outbreak of the war. the eighth of a dollar. Congress. the United States had become.. with the discovery of the rich gold mines of California. as legal tender for the payment of debts and demands. second. were repealed. 1859. nearly sixty years had elapsed since the passage of the first 106 coinage law. 1853. The latter act did not take away the privilege of the holder of foreign coin to receive certificates of deposit at the assay office in New York City. authorizing the issuing of certificates for deposits of foreign coin. the amount of gold produced in the mines of California.By the act of February 21. The former acts of Congress. and by this means supply a homogeneous circulation of gold and silver.ooo. amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. The greatest amount of gold produced from American mines in any one year was in 1853. the annual production of silver in the United States never exceeded the value of $1oo. authorizing the circulation of foreign gold and silver coins.ooo. The total product of gold from the mines of the United
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was discovered in Nevada. silver to the amount of $I3.000. while silver is coined into dollars and fractional parts thereof. from 1848 to 1861 inclusive.000.7oo.ooo. It is much easier for the money power to manipulate the volume of gold than that of silver. 108
.ooo. At this period. From the foregoing facts. In 1863.500. and from this period the United States is reckoned among the greatest producers of silver in the world. Therefore.States.000. The production of gold for the same year was $51. In the same year the production of gold in California alone was $45. the value of the product of silver had risen to $8. in as much as gold contains a much greater value in a proportionately smaller bulk than silver. which.000 in value. the control of the gold supply of the country was in the firm grasp of the national banks and bond holders.000. was the greatest amount produced in the United States in any one year. gold is the money of the wealthy.ooo. while silver is the money of the laborer. the 107 Comstock Lode. reached the grand total of $7oo. In the year 1859. the national debt had reached the enormous sum of $2.ooo. chiefly ten and twenty dollar gold pieces. up to this period. In 1867. Again.500.000 was produced from the mines of the west . that great deposit of silver.725. In 1860 the production of silver had risen to $150. the interest of which was payable in coin. gold bullion is converted into coins of large denominations.chiefly in Nevada. The whole annual product of the gold mines in the United States would scarcely sufficient to pay one-half of the annual interest charge upon the national debt held by the national banking money power.

Thc prospects for an enormous supply of silver from the western mines threatened the supremacy of New York City and London as the money markets of the world. and transact business by their means. he was not under the necessity. He was not compelled to pay toll to the national banks for the use of their debts as money. This great money power whose almost absolute control of the currency was surely driving all business to a credit basis.It is the small coins that most actively circulate in the channels of trade. when in need of money.
To Chapter IV To the Table of Contents
. deliberately planned the destruction of that precious metal whose value has been far more stable than that of gold. The rapid increase in the production of silver in the United States meant the financial liberation of the people from the money power of the East. have it coined into standard silver dollars of full legal tender debt. it is gold that is hoarded by the miser and the capitalist. The national banking money power could not control the silver dollar. and consequently. receive them after their mintage. as long as the law authorized its free coinage. paying power. whose sole credit rested on the solvency of the United States. to make application to a national bank for a loan of its circulating notes. a gigantic conspiracy was formed in London and New York City to demonetize silver. The small coins that are in active circulation have always eluded every effort to hoard them in large quantities. The owner of silver could take his bullion to the mint.

exceeding four billions of dollars. After the great Napoleonic wars which convulsed Europe for so many year's. a record which no man can read without being convinced that the measure and the method of its passage through this House was a `colossal swindle. England and Portugal were the only nations whose standard of monetary value was based on gold. and she made good her boast that she was "Mistress of the Seas. Silver was made a 110 legal tender to an amount not exceeding forty shillings for any one payment. At this time England was the great naval power of the world.' I assert that the measure never had the sanction of this House.
"I have before me the record of the proceedings of this House on the passage of that measure." . This vast debt was created by the efforts of Great Britain in her struggle to crush Napoleon." In 1816. Holman. The greater portion of this immense burden on the industries of the people of that country was purchased at a very heavy discount by the bond holders. This act of parliament was procured through the influence of the immensely wealthy bankers
. finally ending in the overthrow of the military power of France at Waterloo in 1815.William S. the national debt of England reached a colossal figure. CONSPIRACY OF NEW YORK AND LONDON BANKERS AND BOND HOLDERS TO DEMONETIZE SILVER. and it does not possess the moral force of law. and her merchant vessels entered the ports of every civilized and semi-civilized nation. England adopted a single gold standard as the basis of her financial system.The Coming Battle
109 CHAPTER IV. Prior to the demonetization of silver in the United States.

charges that this measure was instigated by the capitalists of England. the charter of the Bank of England was amended by act of parliament. Moreover. the latter being a credit currency redeemable in gold by the bank. to the amount of many hundreds of millions of dollars. and with the avowed purpose of perpetuating its existence. railway stocks. and it gave notice to the owners of gold bullion everywhere. at the time of the parliamentary act of 1844. an eminent writer and financier of London. and securities. The evident purpose of that policy fixing the minimum value of gold was the prohibition of speculation in it by bullion brokers. at that time the Prime Minister of England. The policy embodied in the Peel Act is the basis of the financial system of England. The financial system thus adopted by parliament during the ministry of Lord Liverpool consisted of gold as the standard of value. and therefore the center of exchange. to pay the price fixed by the law of its creation. fixing the minimum price of gold by law with the avowed intention of enhancing its purchasing power over all other forms of property. although there was no ll1 limitation in the law by which the bank was forbidden to pay more for that precious metal. silver as subsidiary coin used in the small transactions of business. In 1844. the sum of three pounds. This act of parliament was the matured result of the policy of Sir Robert Peel. seventeen shillings. and it fixed the price of gold throughout the British empire in every part of the world. that this great bank stood ready. by which that corporation must pay for all gold bullion or mutilated coins offered at its counter. Another important object of the passage of this law was to make London the money market of the world. and the fund-holding class of Great Britain was instrumental in procuring the passage of this act. Sir Moreton Frewen. at all times. with the sole aim of enhancing the value of the vast debt held by them. and that it was class legislation of the worst type. After the close of the civil war in America. This price was equivalent to eighteen dollars and ninety-two cents in money of the United States. Great Britain had become a large holder of United States bonds. the colossal debt of England was payable in gold. Gold would never go below that price. and other obligations of this country. and nine pence for each ounce of gold tendered to it. the great majority of which were purchased for a pittance. and notes issued by the Bank of England.and fund holders.
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He was the great predominating power in the financial legislation of Congress. on the 4th of January. while that of the United States was rapidly increasing in value. The production of silver in the British empire was 112 comparatively small. appointed Samuel B. on behalf of the United States. Ruggles as the commissioner to represent this country at that magnificent undertaking. she ranks as one of the leading producers of gold. United States Senator John Sherman was the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the national Senate. as a means for the promotion of commerce. Secretary of State Seward. 1867. This Union was originally formed December 23. weights. which rivaled those of California. whereby these five nations agreed to establish for themselves jointly a system of common coinage. from 1862 to 1873. of which mention was made in the second chapter of this work. and measures. It must be borne in mind that. extended an invitation to all the powers. and Switzerland. to which the nations of the world were invited by the Emperor of Prance. and it was the bankers of London who suggested the scheme of the present national banking law. but is undoubtedly very large. Napoleon III. Belgium. as shown by the circular issued by James hazard. 113 The monetary system adopted by the Latin Union provided for the free coinage of both gold and silver at a ratio of fifteen and one-half to one. The amount of English capital invested in the national banking system is unknown. and which framed and moulded the various financial measures placed upon the statute books of the nation. for the purpose of extending the principles of the Latin Union throughout the commercial world. to hold a conference in Paris. including the United States. Italy. London.
. the great International Exposition at Paris was held. In 1867.The great banking houses of Net York City and Boston are the agents of the money lending classes of Great Britain. to which was referred. 1865 by and between France. Since the discovery of the enormously rich gold mines of Australia. while the mines of the latter are giving indications of exhaustion. Greece. the Emperor of France. and are the mere echoes of Lombard street.

The material part of this remarkable letter to Mr. he hastened to Paris where the conference was to convene in the near future. and the United States will
. visited London in the spring of 1867. viz. Senator Sherman.. who was the Chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate. in future coinage. however. between France. has been received. and Mr. "The treaty of December 23. has laid the foundation for such a standard."Any other nation can join the present convention by accepting its obligations and adopting the monetary system of the union in regard to gold and silver coins. and Switzerland. and the time is now so favorable that I feel quite sure that Congress will adopt any practical measure that will secure to the commercial world a uniform standard of value and exchange. prior to the convening of this monetary conference. Belgium. "There has been so little discussion in Congress upon the subject that I cannot base my opinion upon anything said or done there. Article 12 of the union was as follows. "My Dear Sir: Your note of yesterday. and the probable acquiescence in that treaty by Prussia. After consulting with the London bankers and capitalists. "If Great Britain will replace the value of her sovereign 2 pence." The invitation of the French Emperor was accepted by the commercial nations of Europe and America. "The only question will be how this can be accomplished. May 18. on information of the receipt of the invitation of the Emperor. make our gold dollar conform in value to the gold 5-franc piece. 1865. and in reply to a note of Ruggles.It also made provision in its articles by which any other nation could become a member of the convention. Ruggles was appointed as the representative of the United States. Italy. ll4 "The subject has. sent a communication to that gentleman in which he advocated the adoption of a single gold standard. Ruggles is as follows: "Hotel Jardin des Tuileries. inquiring whether Congress would probably. 1867. excited the attention of several important commercial bodies in the United States.

Sherman in his letter to Mr. "If this is done France will surely abandon the impossible effort of making two standards of value. that he was endeavoring to leave the impression upon this conference. and diameter. for at that time he held the most important position on the leading committee of the United State Senate. especially for the Chinese trade. The position assumed by Senator Sherman had immense influence. and which will readily pass in all countries. Sherman was evidently ascertaining the views of influential persons and bodies upon this proposed change of the coinage laws. Ruggles in which he says:
." It will be seen from the statements volunteered by Mr. We quote further from his letter to Mr. and so the English think of their pound sterling. it may well be adopted by other nations as the common standard of value. Gold coins will answer all the purposes of European commerce. from whatever mint it may have been issued. A common gold standard will regulate 115 silver coinage. Surely each commercial nation should be willing to yield a little to secure a gold coin of equal value. These coins are now exchangeable only at a considerable loss. "Our gold dollar is certainly as good a unit of value as the franc. Rugglcs. and that a common gold standard would regulate silver coinage. and the sovereign as 25 francs.000 of people of several different nationalities. the dollar as 5 francs. that the United States was in favor of a single standard of gold. we then have a coinage in the franc.000. and that the effort of Prance in making two standards of value was impossible. dollar. He spoke as one having authority. "This will put an end to the loss and intricacies of exchange and discount. and sovereign easily computed.reduce the value of her dollar something over 3 cents. weight. leaving to each nation to regulate the divisions of this unit in silver coins or tokens. and is of convenient form and size. of which the United States will furnish the greater part. "As the gold 5-franc piece is now in use by over 60. and this exchange is a profit only to brokers and bankers. and gave his moral influence to that financial policy which has finally destroyed one-half of the money metals of the world. While in England Mr.

Mr. in the course of which the French emperor propounded the following significant question: "Can France do anything more in aid of the ivory?" 117 We here quote the reply of Mr. especially if we make the greater change in our coinage. 116 Senator Sherman furnished the best of evidence. Ruggles to the question of the
. and it is deducible from his writings that. On the 30th of May. Ruggles informs the Secretary of State of an interview held with Napoleon. after ascertaining the views of these "influential persons and chambers" as to what system of coinage would be satisfactory to them. "Many persons of influence and different chambers" of a foreign country mere taking deep interest in the coinage laws of a nation to which they owed no allegiance. that he was in London in conference with influential interests which were earnestly in favor of the proposed change in the standard of money. Ruggles transmitted a communication to Secretary of State Seward. Mr. 1867. The change is so slight with them that an enlightened selfinterest will soon induce them to make it. Sherman was a leading member of the United States Senate. who mere interested in securing legislation that would enhance the value of stocks and bonds. a change that resulted in the demonetization of silver. in which he states that the letter of Senator Sherman urging the adoption of a single standard of gold was laid before the International Committee having the question of uniform rain under special examination. he immediately proceeded to carry them into effect by introducing a bill to that end. Mr. Sherman. The phrase. with reference to the coinage of gold and silver. In this communication. "Many persons of influence and different chambers. that." This letter is an important link in the chain of evidence that tends to prove a concerted plan on the part of British and American financiers to effect a momentous change in the coinage laws of the United States."In England many persons of influence and different chambers are earnestly in favor of the proposed change in the coinage." undoubtedly signifies the bankers and other fund holding classes of Great Britain. This letter of the Senator to Commissioner Ruggles is a voluntary confession from Mr.

dated the 18th of May." Upon a fina1 vote in the conference. not only to the United States. expressing his opinion that the gold dollar of the United States ought to be and readily might be reduced by Congress. of Great Britain. Senator from Ohio. `No more than it is affected. to which letter. Hence. had written an important and interesting letter. the influence of England and John Sherman succeeded in defeating the adoption of a bi-metallic standard.. viz. in weight and value. Ruggles were the two eminent persons whose influence was exerted against the adoption of the sagacious policy of the Emperor of France. when reduced.
. that the letter was now before the International Committee having the question of uniform coin under special examination. by the existing gold coin of five francs. The emperor then asked. to correspond with the gold 5-franc piece of France." that it was only the silver coins of Franco which were of even metric weight. to circulate side by side on terms of absolute equality with the half eagle of the United States and the sovereign. where it was received with unusual interest and 118 ordered by the committee to be printed in both languages. was presented in a French translation a few days afterward to the International Committee in full session. represented unequal fractions of the meter. but to the world at large. it will be seen that John Sherman and Samuel B. the attention of the public authorities of France was respectfully invited. as they readily might be. It is evident that Senator Sherman exerted his great influence in defeating international bimetallism. which had for its object an international standard of both gold and silver at a ratio of fifteen and one-half to one. and a single standard of gold was agreed upon by the conference with but a single dissenting vote.emperor in his own language. the adoption of which would have resulted in untold benefits. France can coin a piece of gold of twenty-five francs. originally written in English. Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate of the United States. precisely to the value of twenty-five francs. The emporer then closed the audience by repeating the assurances of his gratification that the important international measure in question was likely to receive active support from the United States. while every one of its gold coins. and recently in Paris. if at all."To which it was replied. `Will not a French coin of twenty-five francs impair the symmetry of the French decimal system?' To which it was answered. Sherman. or pound sterling. Sherman. 1867. as being one of the best interpretations of the views of the American people. without exception. "The letter of Mr. "It was then stated to the Emperor that an eminent American statesman. A copy is herewith transmitted for the information of the Department of State. above referred to. Mr.

"A bill in relation to coinage of gold and silver." The language of these sections expressly demonetizes the standard silver dollar of 412 1/2grains as the unit of account by omitting to provide for its coinage." The material parts of this proposed measure are contained in sections one. "Section 2.ooo. That the gold coins to be issued under this act shall be a legal tender in all payments to any amount. That. the weight of the gold coin of five dollars shall be 124 8/20 troy grains. and the fineness shall bc nine-tenths or 9oo parts fine in 1. and he advocated its passage in an elaborately written argument. He thus spoke of the system of coinage which the bill proposed to establish as follows: -
. in order to conform the silver coinage to this rate and to the French valuation. The only silver coins that could be issued from the mints of the United States. the weight of the half dollar shall be 179 grains. while gold coin would be unlimited legal tender to any amount. should this bill become a 1aw. which would be legal tender for the payment of debts to any amount not exceeding ten dollars in any one payment. would be the half dollar. and three. equivalent to ll6 decigrams. the quarter dollar. he reported it back favorably. which are as follows: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. introduced Senate bill 217. with a view to promote a uniform currency among the nations. and the fineness shall be nine-tenths. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. and the lesser coins be in due proportion. and on the 9th of June. Sherman was Chairman.As the first step for carrying into execution the scheme outlined in his Paris letter. But the coinage of silver pieces of one dollar. and the silver coins shall be a legal tender to an amount not exceeding ten dollars in any one payment. And be it further enacted. and three cents shall be discontinued. 119 and the other sizes or denominations shall be in due proportion of weight. And be it further enacted. five cents. entitled. so that it shall agree with a French coin of twenty-five francs. two. 1868. and tan cent piece. and with the rate of thirty-one hundred francs to the kilogram. during the second session of the Fortieth Congress. of which Mr. "Section 3. Senator Sherman. That.

"The single standard of gold1 is an American idea. 120 2. The coins of each nation to bear the names and emblems prepared by each. The sing1e gold standard is of British origin. A single standard exclusively of gold. She yields to our demand for the sole standard of gold. It proposes: 1. yielded reluctantly by France and other countries. whose standard is adopted. "The single standard of gold is an American idea. 5. and second to the debasement or diminution of the quantity of that metal in a given coin. Mr. and the declaration of Senator Sherman that. The impossible attempt to maintain two standards of value has given rise to nearly all the debasement of coinage of the last two centuries. and during the whole conference evinced the most earnest wish to secure the co-operation of the United States in the great object of unification of coinage. The weight of the present s-franc gold piece to be the unit.nine-tenths fine. Coins of equal weight and diameter. The relative market value of silver and gold varied like other commodities.Of equal quality of fineness . but to be legal tenders public and private in all."
. as he well knew at the time when he use a this language in the report quoted. 3." was misleading. Sherman also used the following language in that rcport: "France."The second inquiry of your committee was whether the plan proposed by the Paris conference was the best mode to accomplish the end desired. as the parliamentary acts of 1816 and 1844 conclusively prove beyond any doubt whatever. and this led first to the demonetization of the more valuable metal. makes a new coin similar to our half eagle. 4." This was the first effort ever attempted to fasten a single gold standard upon the American people. where silver is the chief standard of value.

either by bill or resolution. authorized Mr. Ruggles had placed the United States in a false light before the Paris conference. Wc quote at length from this powerful document: "In June last. by Senator Morgan. From this it appears that a plan of monetary unification was there agreed upon. Ruggles on the proposed change of the coinage laws of the United States was purely voluntary. Samuel B. exclusively of gold. be it remembered. "3. A single standard. "4.an astonishing piece of intelligence to his colleagues. The same committee. "Delegates from the several European nations were present. an international monetary conference washeld in Paris under the presidency of the French minister of foreign affairs. in fact. nine-tenths fine. the views of this gentleman and Senator Sherman were distinctly repudiated by Congress at its earliest opportunity. and his report on the subject has been communicated to Congress through the Department of State. with its multiples. "Mr. while the Universal Exposition was in progress. Ruggles to represent the United States at any monetary conference whatever. Of equal quality. Mr. and Congress had not. Coins of equal weight and diameter. the general features of which are: "1. 122 "5. The coins of each nation to continue to bear the names and emblems preferred by each. and. of New York. The issue by France of a new coin of value and weight of 25 francs was recommended. Ruggles was a mere appointee of the President. "2. submitted a minority report against the passage of the bill. Rugglcs represented the United States. The attitude of Mr. but
. The weight of the present 5-franc gold piece to the unit.The rcport above quoted is proof positive. that Senator Sherman and Mr. 121 The distinguished Senator avers that France yielded to "Our demand for the sole standard of gold" . For.

It requires that the value of gold coin shall be stated both in dollars and francs. It is a principal producer of the precious metals. question. Its passage would reduce the weight of our gold coin of $5. and the reduction in the legal value of our silver coinage would be still more considerable. with rare power of fact and argument. most favorable in view of impending commercial changes. is fixed as the period for the act to take effect. so as to agree with a French coin of 25 francs. to the minutest detail. and discontinues the silver pieces of $1.5. in all. "The reduction which this measure would effect in the present legal standard value of the gold coin of the United States would be at the rate of three and a half dollars to the hundred. and 3 cents." Further on in his report. "It conforms our silver coinage to the French valuation. public and private. "Senate bill 217 is designed to carry into effect this plan. shall be a legal tender so long as the standard of weight and fineness are maintained. the distinguished Senator. The circulating medium is a matter that directly concerns the affairs of everyday life.to be legal tenders. and of
. intricate and multiform interests of the people at home. and also in British terms. "A change in our national coinage so grave as that proposed by the bill should be made only after the most mature deliberation. whenever Great Britain shall conform the pound sterling to the piece of $5. affecting not only the varied. He shows that the American continent produced four-fifths of the silver of commerce. He points out that silver money is the key to the commerce of the western hemisphere. and limits silver as a legal tender to payments of $10. and that Mexico alone supplied more than half of the world's grand total. and that foreign gold coin. The United States has a peculiar interest in such a. The 1st of January. conformed to this basis. and its geographical position. exposes this new scheme of finance proposed to be fastened upon the American people by the bill introduce by Sherman. but the relations of the nation with all other countries as well. 1869. renders it wise that we should be in no haste to fetter ourselves by any new international 123 regulation based on an order of things belonging essentially to the past. "It determines that other sizes and denominations shall be in clue proportion of weight and fineness. that the mines of Nevada have taken high rank.

Japan. geographically most favorable. which. is denuding that country of the former metal. to reappear among the eastern peoples. "Manifestly our business intercourse with them can be largely increased. The mines of Nevada have already taken high rank. for reasons not fully understood. for that commodity. Our own monetary system. and `it would be useless to send dollars to Asia inferior in weight and value to its well-known Spanish and American prototype. shuns the market where not taken at its full value to find the more favorable one. for instance. "The Pacific railway will open to us the trade of China.' " Mr. and other Oriental countries. A remedy is not to be found in the adoption of a system that undervalues this metal. but the United States will feel the effect first and more directly than any other. and other Oriental countries. a favorite coin of the native Indian and distant Asiatic. Other countries will be affected. like any other. and which we are asked to copy. The Senator says: "The American continent. Our relations with the silver-producing people. Japan. The silver dollar. India.the trade of Chins. Ruggles says that nearly all the silver coined in the United States prior to 1858 has disappeared.
. though less faulty. are otherwise intimate. is not suitably adjusted in this respect. with whom we more than ever seek close intimacy. has well-nigh disappeared from domestic circulation. for we must not deprive ourselves of the advantages which its agency wil1 afford. will produce perturbations marked and important. For years silver. too. The erroneous proportion fixed between silver and gold by Prance. "As they prefer this piece we do well to increase rather than discontinue its coinage. and Mexico alone supplies more than half the world's grand total. and now forms the almost universal medium 124 of circulation. produces four-fifths of the silver of commerce. "These two streams of the precious metals. poured into the current of commerce in full volume. of whose prepossessions wc must not lose sight. for well-known political reasons seeks the friendliest understanding. a fact especially true of Mexico. This must not bc overlooked. has been the object of unusual demand among these Asiatic nations. absorbing rapidly the silver of coinage. India.

of which commerce. be
. especially our own. coins. it possesses special merits of every-day value. by their adoption as a textbook in diplomatic correspondence of a leading American authority on international law.It is a favorite metal.and we have no assurance that she will . We stand midway on the thoroughfare of traffic between these two widely-separatcd races. Our railways. No argument is needed to enforce this. uniformity in weights. Senator Morgan exposes the fallacy of this so-called international system of coinage embodied in the Sherman bill. but it is enough that the recent opening of certain ports indicates an enlightened change in the politics of these two old empires. too. which would destroy the immense mineral wealth of the western hemisphere by the destruction of silver money. Tokens are not wanting to mark the favor in which the United States are held by China. Future harmony of intercourse is assured. is availing itself. Further on in the same report. and if the former does not adopt the Paris system of coinage . but was a mark as well of a friendly disposition toward this country. coins. our natural highways and merchant marine may be made to control their carrying trade. for light reasons. entering into all transactions of daily life. Much might also be said about the growing partiality of Japan towards this country.the United States would certainly commit a serious error in passing this bill." This patriotic document pilloried the rascality of that scheme. and every way satisfactory for purposes of domestic commerce. And what of the rising communities? A properly adjusted coinage would stimulate commerce with those great parts of the continent lying south end southwest 125 of us. and measures of capacity is among the most efficacious agencies. He continues: "Oar coinage is believed to be the simplest of any in circulation. and measures now correspond much more nearly to the English than to the French standard. with the West Indies and the countless millions of trans-Pacific countries. "But here. as everywhere else.' Our weights. "It is said that `To promote the intercourse of nations with each other. Our commerce with Great Britain is nine times greater than with France. The unusual honor recently conferred by that government upon a citizen of this country was not alone because of his fitness as an ambassador at large. and should not. canals. The genuine Americanism of his nature is finely illustrated by the concluding language of that celebrated report. and deserves proper recognition in the monetary system. a well-adjusted coinage becomes a wand of power in the hand of enterprise.

The instincts of our people lead them to believe that we are on the eve of important business changes. No.. Secretary of the Treasury. 40th Congress.) Judging from the language of the report just quoted. Boutwell. Mr. 1869. a revision of the mint laws was undertaken. and a future of great prosperity opens to our country. and will continue to do so with increasing force. Page 13. Not only the public lands and the mines of precious metals. Knox. After the retirement of Mr. Morgan was a member of the Senate. The report of Senator Morgan was the death knell of 127 the bill. Com." London. it also proved our ability to originate means to ends. Deputy Comptroller of the Currency. ll7.126 exchanged where the advantages sought to be gained are mainly theoretical. Director of the mint. and we may therefore safely hold fast for the present to what experience has proven to be good. and no attempt was made to bring it up again while Mr. engaging more properly the attention of the philosopher than the practical man. and begging for her assistance in the solution of our financial problems. and a single standard of gold. and removed many impediments to progress. and Mr. 2d Sess. "The people of the United States have been quick to avail themselves of their natural advantages. have likewise powerfully operated in our favor. Linderman." . "The war gave us self-assertion of character. one sufficiently free from the traditions of Europe to be suited to our peculiar situation and the genius of our enterprising countrymen.(Senate Report. the
. how his indignation would be aroused at the successive journeyings to England by American monetary commissioners. John J. but our political institutions. framed a bill containing seventy-one sections. who have humiliated our national self-respect by getting down on their knees before the "Old Lady of Thread Needle Street. all of whom were devoted adherents of the nationa1 banking system. Morgan from the United States Senate. March 4. following only where clear indications may lead. the great Senator from the Empire state was a firm believer in the power of the American people to legislate upon domestic financial questions without the aid or consent of foreign powers and potentates. Were he alive at the present day. Its expensive lesson will be measurably lost if it fails to impress upon us the fact that we have a distinctive American policy to work out.

which accompanied this bill. this bill. Therefore. "A bill revising the laws relative to the mint." This proposed measure. and coinage of the United States. 1870. prepared by the Treasury clique. On the 28th of April. A measure is introduced into either branch of Congress. 1870. Nowhere in the report of Secretary Boutwell. it was reported back to the Senate with amendments. and was referred to the Committee en Finance. it is referred to the appropriate committee which takes charge of the bill.1871. was any mention made of any change in the system of coinage. and makes a report for or against its passage. which purported to be a mere codification of the mint laws. 1870.
. chairman of the Finance Committee. considers it in all its phases. is the foundation of the action of that branch where it was originally proposed. The rcport of the committee. in reality provided for the demonetization of the silver dollar. as such reports are generally taken to be absolutely true by the members of that body. the bill was introduced into the United States Senate by Mr. in a majority of cases. On December 19.object of which was ostensibly a revision of the mint laws of the United States. On April 25. with a recommendation that it be adopted by Congress. The bill as amended passed the Senate on the 10th of January. the bill came up in the Senate and was discussed in Committee of the Whole. assay office. it is the various committees of Congress which exert a powerful influence upon the fate of bills. 1871 and on the 13th of the same month it reached the House and was ordered to be printed. but he called it. That the reader may understand the process by which legislation can be surreptitiously pushed 128 through Congress. On January 9. it must be borne in mind that the various committees of the Senate and House of Representatives have immense power to control the passage of laws. was transmitted by Secretary Boutwell to John Sherman. Sherman.

Kelley introduced a bill in the Forty-second Congress. and it was finally recommitted to the Committee on Coinage. Hooper." On the 10th of January. of Massachusetts. 129 He informed the House that it had been prepared in the Treasury Department for the purpose of codifying and simplifying the mint laws. Mr. 1872. On January 9. with the recommendation that it pass. The committee reported the bill to the House on April 9. Kelley to the House. He stated to the House that the most important change made by the bill was that creating a Director of the mint. when it was ordered to be printed. the general objects of the bill were pointed out by him.: "Section 16 re-enacts the provisions of existing laws defining the silver coins and their weights. when it was again printed and recommitted. and referred to the Committee on Coinage when appointed. 1872. chairman of the Committee on Coinage. Mr. thus mating it a subsidiary coin in harmony with the silver coins of less
. with headquarters in the Treasury Department. viz. and the only allusion made by him with reference to the silver dollar is the following.: "This bill is symmetrical in all its parts. 1871. the bill was reported by Mr. Its sole function is to so codify the laws. without having a responsible head. in the nature of a substitute. a member of the Committee on Coinage. and Measures for a report. made the following statement of the scope of the bill. Weights. and concurred in by every man who sees the difficulty of managing mints and assay offices. scattered over this country as they are. chairman of the Coinage Committee. Maynard.On February 25. The bill was never heard of at that session and it never was debated in the House for a single moment. Kelley. made a lengthy explanation of its provisions. In the report made by Mr. Mr. the House resumed consideration of the bill. Kelley. respectively. 1871. 1872. suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury. and to appoint a responsible head under the Secretary of the Treasury. On March p. viz. reported the bill beck with an amendment. Mr. which is reduced in weight from 412 1/2 to 384 grains. it is a mere revision of the mint laws. who was in charge of the bill. except in relation to the silver dollar.

and is melted by manufacturers of silverware. it could have been justly inferred that the purpose of this bill was to reduce the weight of the silver dollar so that it would circulate on a parity with that of gold. opposed its passage in a speech of great length. Hooper correctly stated the weight and fineness of the dollar contained in the bill pending.(See Cong. avoiding the useless expense of coining the dollar for that purpose. 1872. and coinage of the United States."denomination. The silver dollar of 4121/2 grains. From the tenor of his remarks and the character of his argument. Potter. During the debate on the bill..: "I desire to callup the bill (H. assay 131 offices. It docs not circulate now in commercial transactions 130 with any country. gentlemen in this House who have taken a special interest in the bill. 1. Part 3. I find that it meets with universal approbation in the form in which I offer it. 42d Congress. end brought in a substitute which they asserted was entirely free from the objections brought against the original measure. and which.. member of Congress from New York. Globe. I move that the
. and as it finally passed the House.) Mr. Mr. I do so for the purpose of offering an amendment to the bill in the nature of a substitute. but he does not state that it was a legal tender for only five dollars. Potter excited a very warm controversy. by reason of its bullion and intrinsic value being greater than its nominal value. and the convenience of thosc manufacturers in this respect can better be met by supplying small stamped bars of the same standard. The speech of Mr. one which has been very carefully prepared. is redeemable in United States currency. professedly abandoned it. and which I have submitted to the different. The coinage of the half dime is discontinued. seeing the determined and aggressive opposition brought to bear against it. as at this time the value of the silver dollar exceeded that of gold by a fraction over three per cent. R. Hon. On the 27th of May. Page. long since ceased to be a coin of circulation. of which a large issue has been made. No. Clarkson N. to secure its current circulation with them. Hooper obtained the floor and made a statement as follows. viz.427) revising and amending the laws relative to mints. and those who were urging the passage of the bill. by the provisions of the act authorizing its issue." .306 2d Sess. for the reason that its place is supplied by the copper-nickel g-cent piece. 2.

Hooper. The Speaker: The gentleman from Massachusetts moves that the rules be suspended and that the bill pass. Mr. my colleague from New York Mr. Hooper] move that the reading of the bill be dispensed with? Mr. 132 Mr. Potter] is in his seat. Mr. Kerr: I want the House to understand that it is attempted to put through this bi1l without being read. Brooks: I ask the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr.
. and those who are interested in it are perfectly familiar with its provisions. Randall: Can not we have a division of that motion? The Speaker: A motion to suspend the rules cannot be divided. The Speaker: Does the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Brooks: I would again suggest to the gentleman that he should wait until my colleague comes in." Mr. Kerr: The rules can not be suspended so as to dispense with the rending of the bill? The Speaker: They can be. Mr. of Massachusetts: I cannot do so. Holman: I suppose that it is intended to have the bill read before it is. Hooper] to postpone his motion until his colleague on the committee.rules bc suspended and that the substitute be put on its passage. Mr. the reading thereof being dispensed with. of Massachusetts: I hope not. put on its passage. Mr. Hooper. Mr. Hooper. It is a long bill. of Massachusetts: It is so late in the session that I must decline waiting any longer. The Speaker: The Substitute will be read. Mr. Hooper of Massachusetts: I will so frame my motion to suspend the rules that it will dispense with the reading of the bill.

and suggested to the latter that he move the suspension of the rules. Hoopcr to push a measure through the House during the closing hours of its session. Hooper. and I ask that the substitute be read. This unscrupulous tool of the money power did not even want this bill read so that its contents would become known. and (twothirds not voting in favor thereof) the rules werc not suspended. and the substitute for the bill 133 in relation to mints and coinage passed. Mr. although I am willing that the rules shall be suspended as to the passage of the bill. and that he sought to do this during the temporary absence of those members who were aware of his plan. Mr.
. viz. Randall: I should like to have the bill read. Speaker Blaine came to the rescue of Mr. Hooper thereupon moved that the substitute be read.Mr.. which action had been prompted by Speaker Blaine. Mr. that the rules be suspended and the bill passed. In this dilemma. and that on which the House is called to act is being read. We give the proceedings of the House verbatim. the only chance we have to know what we are doing is to have both the bill and the substitute read. Hooper. Mr. and who were opposed to the consummation of the scheme. of Massachusetts: I now move that the rules be suspended. Hooper. The question was put on suspending the rules and passing the bill without reading. so that the bill could be passed without reading. The suggestion of Speaker Blaine was promptly acted on by Mr. The Congressional Record from which he have quoted is proof that it was a cunning move on the part of Mr. The clerk began to read the substitute. as that would defeat its passage. but the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill without reading failed for want of a two-thirds vote. Hooper] applies to the substitute. Brooks: As there is to be no debate. Brooks: Is that the original bill? The Speaker: The motion of the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Mr.

additional amendments were reported which were ordered to be printed with the bill.) The question being taken upon the motion of Mr.The Speaker: The motion of the gentleman from Massachusetts being to suspend the rules and pass the substitute. Mr. especially in reference to the coinage. Brooks: I am very much in the habit of voting "no" when I do not know what is going on. were practically the same.. reported the bill back with amendments. The House must either pass the substitute or none. Globe. it gives no choice between the two bills. Page 3. The scheme was forced through the House by the 134 downright falsehoods of Samuel Hooper.883. Hooper. Whether this substitute shall be passed. 1873. I hope the gentleman from Massachusetts will explain the leading changes made by this bill in the existing law.: -
. Speaker Blaine. The facts in the case were. bill. a banker of Boston. Section 16 of the substitute passed by the House was in the following language. 42d Congress. aided by the trickery and the manipulation of parliamentary rules by Mr. Hooper. It does not require the recoinage of the small coins. on December 16. and those of the substitute afterward passed. It would seem that all the small coinage of the country is intended to be recoined. that the provisions of the original bill abandoned by Mr.(Cong. 1872. Brooks: How can we choose between the original bill and the substitute unless we hear them both read? The Speaker: The gentleman can vote "aye" or "no" on this question. Mr. The bill was now transmitted to the Senate where it went into the hands of the Finance Committee. Mr. Holman: Before the question is taken up on suspending the rules and passing the. which." . Mr. Part 5. the rules were suspended by an aye and nay vote and the bill passed. of Massachusetts: This bill makes no changes in the existing law in that regard. Hooper. 2d Sess. On January 7. viz.

called attention to the omission of the eagle upon the gold dollar. a half dollar or 50-cent piece. the silver dollar. quarter dollar. onequarter and one-tenth of the weight of said dollar. one-half. and a dime or 10-cent piece. read 16 of the bill as amended by the Senate. three dollar gold piece. Sherman: "If the Senator will allow me. by which the free and unlimited coinage thereof was taken array from that metal. Viz. When the question on the amendment striking out section r g was before the Senate it was agreed to by that body. A debate arose upon this question. of California. and the dime shall bc. which coins shall be a legal tender. which. Hooper.:Mr. and it will be seen that silver was demonetized by its provisions. The number of each succeeding section was changed accordingly. and the freight of the dollar shall bc 384 grains. and its legal tender debt paying power limited to the insignificant sum of five dollars for any one payment. half dollar and quarter dollar. This latter section provided for the inscription and mottoes to be impressed upon the coins to be issued under this bill. The several sections of the substitute were taken up in their changed numeral order until section 19 of the substitute as passed by the House was reached. the half dollar. for any amount not exceeding five dollars in any one payment." This section of the substitute was identical with that of the original bill which was withdrawn by Mr. by the striking out of section 15 of said substitute. he will see that the preceding section provides for coin which is exactly interchangeable with the English shilling and the 5-franc piece of France. a quarter dollar or 25-cent piece.
. became section 18 of the amended Senate bill."That the silver coins of the United States shall be a dollar. and Senator Casserly. Section 15 of the substitute passed by the House was stricken out by the Finance Committee of the Senate 135 in the way of amendment. The next amendment was to strike out the word seventeen in the 17th section of the substitute. at their nominal value. Senator Sherman gave the following explanation. and this amendment made section 17 of the substitute. respectively.

Page 672. 136 Globe.) This public declaration of Senator Sherman. Sherman spoke in his reply to Senator Casserly. a 5-franc piece of Franco will be the exact equivalent of a dollar of the United States in our silver coinage. now section 15 of the amended bill before the Senate. and said coins shall be a legal tender at their nominal value for any amount not exceeding five dollars in any one payment. is evident from the answer made by Sherman to the inquiry of Mr. 1872-73. for the reason that the debate arose over section 18 of the amended bill. is one of the mysteries of this transaction. was not in the bill when the debate arose upon the inscriptions and mottoes designed to be placed upon the coins provided for by this act. a quarter dollar. and which they may not distinguish from a buzzard or some other bird. a half dollar." . and in order to show this wherever our silver coin shall float-and we are providing that it shall float all over the world. while the provi137 sion for the coinage of silver was embraced in the preceding section 15 of the amended act. The French 5-franc piece. the quarter dollar and the dime shall be. and the weight of the trade dollar shall be 420 grains troy. Said section 15 was formerly 16 of Mr.we propose to stamp upon it. Hooper's substitute. said section 15 of the amended Senate bill.that is. 3d Sess. 42d Congress. the weight of the half dollar shall be 12 grams and one-half of a gram. a dime. about which Mr. which was now the lair. was ascertained to read as follows: "The silver coins of the United States shall be a trade dollar. upon the discovery of the demonetization of silver. one-half and one-fifth of the freight of said half dollar. providing for the mintage of a trade dollar containing 420 grains of silver. Part I. was the equivalent of a silver dollar containing 384 grains of silver." That this section of the coinage law. mentioned in section 16 of the substitute. in reply to the question of Senator Casserly. Casserly.. He had charge of this bill.(Cong. or 50-cent piece. the intrinsic fineness and weight of the coin. and the Congressional Globe shows that what afterward became section 15 of the bill as amended by the Senate was never read nor acted upon by that body. or 25-cent piece. or 10-cent piece. which foreigners may not understand. instead of our eagle. respectively. In 1874. The parliamentary procedure in the consideration of bills in both Houses of Congress is to read
.

during the year 1870. it was simply dropped out .each section separately. agreed to the provisions of the bill as it came from the Senate. Afterward. in the revision. in 1867. 1873. take a vote upon its passage. Mr. The bill so amended went to the House of Representatives for its concurrence in the Senate amendments. wc have seen him in the city of London. Senators Sherman. Sherman attempted the following explanation of his coarse which led to the demonetization of the silver dollar. the silver dollar was worth more than the gold dollar. and now he votes against the act of February 12. and many explanations have been volunteered for this apparently inconsistent conduct. This incomprehensible action is the strangest episode in the long public career of the Great Demonetizer. and. three of the most radical single gold standard men in Congress. It could not circulate because. he brings forward the bill framed by Secretary Boutwell. They made their reports to their respective Houses. No law repealed the silver dollar. In a speech in the United States Senate.there was no such coin in use. he says: "The old silver dollar was dropped out. He reports bill after bill for the adoption 138 of a single standard of gold. next he appears at Paris in the same year. and why? Simply because it was not in use. which was finally the fruition of his efforts. of which mention has been made heretofore. We now come to a singular act on the part of Sherman when the bill came up for final passage in the Senate. As it had not been coined for twenty years it was dropped out from among the coins of the United States. with the exception of a few trifling amendments. then he introduces a bill in Congress in 1868 for the demonetization of silver. Scott. Speaker Blaine appointed Messrs. in 1872 and 1873. were appointed conferees on the part of the Senate. 1873."
. During his career as chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate. Hooper and Stoughton as the Committee of Conference on the part of the House. and the bill became a law on the 12th of February. The Conference Committees met. and throws his influence in behalf of the single standard of gold. and Bayard. and thus act upon each section consecutively.

With such sophistry as the above. The si1139 ver dollar so "dropped out" contained 412 1/2 grains of silver. to February 12. He asserts that the measure was fully and thoroughly debated. if the reasons stated by Mr. the silver dollar was worth three and one-fourth cents more than that of gold and the former was hoarded or sold abroad. the silver dollar was more valuable than that of gold. Sherman for the passage of the act of February 12. including
. why did the honorable Senator amend that act in committee by increasing the number of grains in the silver dollar to 420. thus making its bullion value greater than before the passage of this act? His strange logic is as follows: First. but the Congressional Globe of that period conclusively proves that such was not the fact. is that the silver dollar was worth more than the gold dollar. therefore. hence it would not circulate. 1873. in which it is shown that 1. In other words. therefore. many Senators and Representatives of long service in Congress. The excuse tendered by Mr. Senator Sherman. Senator Sherman avers that no silver dollars had been coined for the period of twenty years prior to the demonetization act of February 12. the weight was increased from 4l2 1/2 to 420 grains. Sherman for the omission of the coinage of the silver dollar by that act were valid and controlled his action. Sherman sought to delude the American people. that 1. The manner in which the act of February 12 1873.000 of standard silver dollars were coined. in his speech of August 30. was slipped through both Houses of Congress has excited endless controversies which rage even to this day. the value of the bullion in the silver dollar must be made greater. Now. 140 On the other hand. 1873.ll7. 1893. This statement was made in the face of the official report of the director of the United States mint for the year 1873. 1873. made a labored defense of his conduct during the passage of the bill demonetizing silver.296.With his consistent and usual disregard of facts. and in the one month and twelve days from January 1. Mr. prior to its demonetization. and its overvaluation from three and one-fourth cents to five cents.ll8.600 were coined in the year 1872. as a remedy to increase its circulation. 1873. to obviate this difficulty in the way of increasing the circulation of that dollar.136 standard silver dollars were coined in the calendar year of 1871.

Mr. a record 141 which no man can read without being convinced that the measure and the method of its passage through this House was a `colossal swindle. lies in the fact that Senators Nye and Stewart. in a speech delivered in the House of Representatives July 13. Birchard.the sessions of 1870-71-72-73. The public men making these statements bear such high reputation for truth and integrity. said: -
. 1873. a republican member of Congress from Illinois. who represented the state of Nevada ." and whose vigilance during his long career in Congress has saved the nation hundreds of millions of dollars. 44th Congress. in a speech in the House on July 13. Holman. Will any sane person suppose that these two Senators would knowingly vote for a measure which would ruin the immensely rich silver mines of that state that had honored then by an election to the United States Senators It is preposterous. Vol.. and it does not possess the moral force of law.(Cong. 1st Sess. Mr. Part 6. The following statements of leading members of Congress furnish a solution to this memorable controversy. have declared time and again that false statements were made by those having charge of the bill. 1873: "I have before me the record of the proceedings of this House on the passage of that measure. Record. 1876. that their testimony does not require the sanction of an oath to carry conviction. Appendix.) This is the statement of a man renowned as the "Watch Dog of the Treasury.voted in favor of the bill. IV. with reference to the act of February in. One exceedingly strong circumstance that adds great weight to the charge of fraud in the passage of the act of February 12. that these statements were relied on by the various members." . and that those who voted for the measure never knew or even suspected that silver would bc demonetized by its passage.' I assert that the measure never had the sanction of this House. renowned for their ability and integrity. 1876 said.the greatest silver producing territory in America . Page 193.

in a speech on July 13. 1st Sess. Appendix.) Mr.(Same Cong. said of this law: "It passed by fraud in the House. and neither members of Congress nor the people understood the scope of the legislation.560. who stood near where I am now standing. Bright.) Again on August 5. never having been read at the Clerk's desk. It was not discussed.(Same Cong. being a substitute for the printed bill. Up to the time the bill came before this House for final passage the measure had singly been one to establish a bureau of mines. of Tennessee. and is subject to the charge made against it by the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. whether it changed the law in regard to coinage. if not assurance.. Cannon."The coinage act of 1873. and unknown to the members of Congress. unaccompanied by any written report upon the subject from any committee." (Cong. changed the unit of value from silver to gold." On the same day in the course of the same speech he said: "It was never considered before the House as it was passed. Holman in speaking of that bill said: "The original bill was simply a bill to organize a Bureau of mines and coinage. And the answer of Mr. Record. that it was passed by the House without a knowledge of its provisions. never having been printed in advance. part 6. 1876. "I myself asked the question of Mr." . who without opposition allowed it to pass under the belief. I believe I use the term correctly now.237. The bill which finally 142 passed the House and which ultimately became a law was certainly not read in this Housc.) Mr. IV. Record. that it made no alteration in the value of the current coins. 44th Congress. It came from the Committee on Coinage. and practically abolish silver as money by failing to provide for the coinage of the silver dollar. Weights. lay a bill to regulate the mints of the United States. a republican member of Congress from the same state. Page 4. especially upon that of coinage. as shown by the Record. said: "This legislation was had in the Forty-second Congress. Record. the reading having been dispensed
. 1876. 1873. Page 197. Vol. Hooper. February 12. Hoopcr certainly left the impression upon the whole House that the subject of coinage was not affected by that bill." . Page 5. Bland]. The substitute which finally became a law was never read. and Measures. Mr.

I at that time being Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. Record. Record.(Cong. that I have no knowledge about it. sir. 45th Congress. and for which some persons must give account in the day of retribution. Record.) 143 Senator Allison. 2d Sess. Page 584." . Vol. Vol. Part 2. and I use it in no offensive sense of course -" Mr. 45th Congress. when House bill 1. There was no call of the yeas and nays." Mr." . and the dollar of 420 grains was substituted for it. It was passed to my certain information. Vol. I never read the bill.. VII. Ohio. because it is the truth. 1878. under such circumstances that the fraud escaped the attention of some of the most watchful as well as the ablest statesmen in Congress at that time. and to restore its legal tender character was under consideration.. and intended to place both metals upon the French relation instead of on our own.. Aye. therefore I tell you. It was a fraud that will stink in the nose of posterity.058. 45th Congress. in Congress. VII. debate being cut off by operation of the previous question.. Allison said: "I said I used the word in no offensive sense. It was put through as dozens of bills are. it was a fraud that smells to heaven. Part 1. It was changed after discussion. but it is the truth to say that. I took it upon the faith of a preeminent democrat and a prominent republican.with by an impression that the bill made no material alteration in the coinage laws. if I may use that term. an the faith of the report of the chairman of the committee. stated: "But when the secrct history of this bill of 1873 comes to be told.)
. and I do not know that I voted at all. it was passed without discussion." . VII.(Cong. in a speech made at Springfield. to authorize the free coinage of the standard silver dollar. as my friend and I know.093. 2d Sess. Page 1. it will disclose the fact that the House of Representatives intended to coin both gold and silver. which was the true scientific position wit)i reference to this subject in 1873. but that the bill afterward was doctored. on February 15.said: "Perhaps I ought to be ashamed to say so.Page 989. Sargent interrupted him and asked him what he meant by the word "doctored. during the fall of 1877. and nobody opposed that bill that I know of. and having my hands overfull during all that time with work. Part 1.(Cong.) Genera1 Garfield. 2d Sess.

(Cong. I charge it with guilt compared with which the robbery of two hundred millions is venial. in speaking of the act of February 12.. 1878.1873. 1878. I profess to know nothing of its history. in debate said: "I can not say what took place in the House. Record. Never having heard until a long time after its enactment into law of the substitution in the Senate of the section which dropped the standard dollar. Record. said: 144 "Mr. he wrote a letter to Mr. regulate coinage... VII. Vol. When it does come. Vol. but I am prepared to say that in all the legislation of this country there is no mystery equal to the demonetization of the standard silver dollar of the United States. Cowdrey. Kelley. 46th Congress. Page 1. I wonder that silver is not already coming into the market to supply the deficiency in the circulating medium. I do not regard the demonetization of silver as an attempt to wrench from the people more than they agree to pay. Record. 1st Sess." . Page 1. 2d Sess. and there is not a single man in the Senate. and scanned its provisions closely. said: "All I can say is that the Committee on Coinage. a republican member of Congress from Pennsylvania.064 2d Sess. and I predict that it will soon. Weights."(Cong. unless a member of the committee from which the bill came. from which the following extract is taken: "The panic has brought greenbacks about to a par with silver. VII. who had the slightest idea that it was even a squint toward demonetization. in a speech delivered in the Senate on February 5.) President Grant was also ignorant of the demonetiza145 tion of silver. Currency will never go below silver after that. we will have made a rapid stride toward specie payments. I think.Senator Howe. Part 1. Part 2. were faithful and able. Vol." . IX. 45th Congress) Senator Thurman. 45th Congress. and fix up one thing and another. but know when the bill was pending in the Senate we thought it was simply a bill to reform the mint. Part 1. and Measures. that it contained provision for both the standard silver dollar and the trade dollar. on the 15th of February.231. who reported the original bill. I have never found a man who could tell just how it came about or why. that as their organ I reported it. President. The circulation of silver will have other
.) Mr. Page 754. That is not the crime of which I accuse the act of 1873. Eight months after the passage of the bill.(Cong. in a speech delivered in the House in 1879.

". which the committee accepted and
. It insures a firm foundation in time of need. of London. Silver will gradually take the place of this currency.) It has been charged time and again. is now here. and then we will find other markets.(McPherson's Hand Book of Politics for 1874. This report was written by Mr. was 10 146 in this country at the time of the demonetization of silver. Experience has proved that it takes about forty millions of fractional currency to make small change necessary for the transaction of the business of the country. to a specie basis. further.ooo with which to corrupt Congress and to secure its demonetization. in time. and it is becoming a question. wc produce the following language taken from the report upon the bill which demonetized silver. On the 3oth of August. took occasion to severely denounce the charge as utterly false. But as evidence that some mysterious influence was brought to bear upon certain members of Congress. and that he used the vast sum of $5oo. and if we once get back to that our strides toward a higher appreciation of our currency will be rapid. will become the standard of values which will be hoarded in a small way.beneficial effects. I estimate that this will consume from two to three hundred millions. and. Senator Sherman. via: "The bill was prepared two years ago. a distinguished writer and bullionist. It has the approval of nearly all the mint experts of the country and the sanction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Silver has this. 1893. "It will leave the paper currency free to perform the legitimate functions of trade and will tend to bring us back where we must come at last. But I want to see the hoarding of something that has a standard of value the world over. 1890. and who was so persistent in engineering its passage through the Forty-Second Congress That rcport contains the following statement. and suggest to you bankers whether you may not imitate it: To put it in circulation noir. Pages 134-135. that Ernest Seyd. and has been submitted to careful and deliberate examination. the emissary of the London money power. and after examining the first draft of the bill made various sensible suggestions. Ernest Seyd. Hooper who was in charge of that bill. keep it there until it is axed. and has given great attention to the subject of mints and coinage. of this species of our circulating medium. in a speech urging the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman Law of July 14. I confess to a desire to see a limited hoarding of money. 'What shall we do with it?' I suggest herc a solution that will answer for some years. Our mines are now producing almost unlimited amounts of silver.

While the committee take no credit to themselves for the original preparation of this bill. This charge of a deeply laid and successful conspiracy has been openly and fearlessly made in the halls of Congress.embodied in the bill. they have no hesitation in unanimously recommending its passage as necessary and expedient. especially England. should exert such influence in the preparation and enactment of financial measures that came solely within the constitutional powers of an American Congress." It will strike the average American citizen as singular that public men of the prominence of Samuel Hooper and John Sherman. and the passage of which meant the destruction of the valuable silver mines of the United 147 States. together with those of Mexico and South America. for he says that this Englishman. and has not been met and over148 thrown The Congressional Records. published by authority of Congress. a citizen of England. down to the passage of that infamous act demonetizing silver. werc not the results of mere accident. in 1867.
. should submit a great measure of such importance as this bill to the inspection and for the correction of its provisions by an alien who owed allegiance to Great Britain. It has been affirmed. affords ample justification for this statement. These striking coincidences of the constant meetings and consultations of Senator Sherman with the financiers of Great Britain. that the demonetization of silver in 1873 was the premeditated act of the combined money power of England and America. "After examining the first draft of the bill made various sensible suggestions. by the ablest Senators and Representatives of Congress. was in this country at the time that the first steps were taken in the drafting of that bill which aimed at the striking down of the time-honored silver dollar. which the committee accepted and embodied in the bill. Seyd was not here merely as a spectator. Hooper shows. Mr. statesmen of unblemished honor. as the language of Mr. members of the National Congress. from the time of his visit to London." Here is a direct admission that Ernest Seyd. time and again. It is a remarkable coincidence that foreign nations.

and who ever since 1873 has exerted his immense prestige and influence against every measure providing for its restoration.(Cong. This speech of Senator Sherman was clothed with official authority. 1st Sess.It is a historical fact that the financiers of Great Britain were mainly influential in procuring that great change in the coinage laws of this country. This suits England. let it be borne in mind that Samuel Hooper stated on the floor of the House of Representatives." In his elaborate address to the leading commercial body of America. 44th Congress. 1873. Part 2. but does not suit us. that a citizen of England assisted in framing the bill which demonetized silver." This is equivalent to a charge of
. and Senator Sherman.) 149 Is this not a plain admission by the chairman of the Finance Committee of the United States Senate. who introduced the first bill providing for the demonetization of silver. in whole or in part. To support this statement. Page 1.481. Vol. March 6. at least in part. IV. he said: "Our coinage act came into operation on the 1st of April. Mr. In the course of his remarks. and this will constitute one of the means by which we will be enabled to resume specie payments. we quote from his speech delivered before the Chamber of Commerce. Sherman avers that British influence was successful in securing legislation from an American Congress favorable to that country. This suits England. and constituted the gold one dollar piece the sole unit of value. I think with our large silver producing capacity we should return to the double standard. "The double standard previously existing was finally abolished. of New York City. but does not snit us. while it restricted the 1egal tender of the new trade dollar and the half dollar and subdivisions to an amount not exceeding five dollars in one payment. adverse to that course of the Chamber of Commerce. that Great Britain had wielded a great influence in procuring the demonetization of silver in 1873? In connection with this deliberate public admission of Senator Sherman. and that "This suits England but does not suit us. and he distinctly stated that. and the United States as usual was influenced by Great Britain in making gold coin the only standard. 1876.. Thus the double standard previously existing divas finally abolished. Globe. gives most conclusive evidence that such was the case. in which he made an elaborate argument against the resolution of that body in favor of repealing the Resumption Act of 1875. and the United States as usual was influenced by Great Britain in making gold coin the only standard." .

1868. and." In his address to the Chamber of Commerce he asserts that the United States was influenced by Great Britain in adopting the single standard of gold. swindled the government out of untold millions. for what American lawmaker.ooo. legislature gave away more than 2oo. that so many gigantic scandals smirched the legislative record of Congress. in addition to a gratuity of United States bonds to the amount of $65. the President. Sherman.treason against Congress and the President. ordered Secretary Bristol "To let no guilty man escape. Mr. and implies corruption. in collusion with the treasury officials and revenue officers. Furthermore in his report advocating the passage of this bill. It was during this period. Boss Shepherd reigned supreme at Wash-
. And nowhere during the debates upon that measure does he denounce those whom he alleges voted a bill through Congress to "suit England." and then he nullified all prosecutions of the scoundrels by the exercise of his pardoning power. the Credit Mobilier rascality resulted from an exposure of the corruption of many distinguished members of Congress who sold thcir votes outright.ooo.ooo acres of the public domain to great railway corporations. During the time covered by these years. it is true. 1868. the great whisky ring was all-powerful." nowhere had he censured those who were influenced by Great Britain. and it came fresh from the hands of Mr. No living man can reconcile the utterly inconsistent statements of this alleged statesman.ooo. Sherman stated that "The single standard of gold is an American idea. for it held the presidency and a great majority of both Houses of the Federal legislature at the time the act which demonetized silver was placed upon the statute books. beginning with the year 1862 down to the year 1873. which sought to demonetize silver? Was that to suit England? Mr. the Federal. however base. It will be remembered that the first bill introduced in Congress to demonetize silver was that of the 9th of June.Did Great Britain influence Sherman to present the bill of June 9. The 150 query naturally presents itself . Sherman knew whereof he spoke. would voluntarily prostitute his power to the influence of a foreign state? He makes an implied charge against the patriotism of that party of which he is a leader.

declared war against Prussia. 152 In the brief period of two hundred and ten days. 1873. or Russian official rottenness. the latter succeeded in imposing the most enormous burdens upon the French people. Immediately after the demonetization of silver by the United States. and Bismarck. 1870. her territory was over-run by the victorious Germans. the armies of France were destroyed. The treaty of peace as finally agreed upon by France and Germany provided that the former
. the "Salary Grab" and "Back Pay" schemes of plunder were brazenly pushed through Congress. The Washington correspondent of that leading republican journal. on the part of Germany. The Latin Union. He says: "Turkish corruption under the pashas and beys. the Chicago Tribune. we refer to the great Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. that. who. It would require pages to briefly summarize the history of the congressional and departmental scandals rife at the national capital. while the Freedman's Bureau robbed the negro of his savings. 1873.151 ington. and Denmark closed their mints to silver and adopted the gold standard. and the democracy carried the House of Representatives by a great majority. however." The public conscience was so aroused by these exposures and proofs of the boundless official corruption and debauchery. in the congressional elections of 1874 the republican party met with an overwhelming defeat. To afford the reader an explanation of the closing of the mints to silver by France. July 15. thus described the corruption prevalent at Washington. Norway. to restore his waning influence over the French nation. Sweden.Prince Bismarck In the treaty of peace negotiated by Theirs on behalf of France. On September 6. brought on by the folly of Emperor Napoleon. still continued the unlimited coinage of silver for a brief period. of the date of February 21. the French government limited the amount of silver to be accepted at the mints for coinage. could scarcely be worse than it is here. and the nation lay prostrate under the heel of her bitterest enemy .

to force down its price.-ooo. in gold as an indemnity for the expense of the war. the Latin union states jointly closed their mints to the free coinage of silver.ooo. 1875. upon the payment of this enormous war indemnity. and that the silver in excess of this amount should be withdrawn from circulation and sold. but. In February. Bismarck compelled the French to cede to the German empire the two splendid provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. whose mints still remained open to the free and unlimited coinage of silver at a ratio of fifteen and one-half to one. 1873. for each inhabitant of the empire. the last of which would fall due March 1. on the 6th of September. 1874. and. would depreciate the silver coinage of France and the other members of the Latin union.ooo). in the execution of his policy to cripple France as much as lay in his power. and it established a national gold standard throughout Germany. agreeing. however. until further orders. and it further provided that the aggregate issue of silver coin should not. to coin on government account such quantities as were fixed upon from time to time. Bismarck. The shrewd statesmen of France at once penetrated the scheme of the wily Bismarck to debase the French coinage. Not satisfied with the exaction of this enormous indemnity. Up to the time of this treaty the German empire was on a silver basis. It is said that the venerable and patriotic Theirs shed bitter tears when he signed this treaty. payable in three installments.ooo.50).
. 153 This measure became a law July 9. in effect. and. therefore. by throwing a large amount of non-legal tender silver on the market. the French government in a treasury order limited the amount of silver to be accepted by the mints. Such were the reasons that moved France to suspend the unlimited coinage of silver. and that Bismarck smiled in derision at the humiliation of the Frenchman. exceed ten marks ($2.ooo francs ($1. 1873.should pay the latter the immense sum of 5. procured the passage of a law through the German parliament which provided for the demonetization of silver. The evident object of this measure was the enhancement of the va1ue of the vast war indemnity received from France. In the meantime the French authorities were to support a German army of occupation until the money was paid. which.ooo.

1873. at least. 1871.75o. the value of which was so highly recognized by the United States government. In the last named year the production of silver reached the great sum of $35.During the years of 1868. 1870. can only be adequately gauged when it is borne in mind that the cost of the war of the Rebellion up to the time that he made that statement aggregated $8.ooo in circulation." The destructive effects of the demonetizing act of 1873 upon the value of property was so great. a distinguished political economist of Europe urged this country to readopt the bi-metallic law.
. Alexander Stephens. We want at least twenty-five dollars per capita. We have now only fourteen dollars per capita in circulation. that Hon. Barr Robertson. 1869. as stated by Mr.000.ooo. as measured by the exchange power of money. and he forcibly stated that it would. There is no remedy for us now except in re-establishing the value of silver and its free coinage." The enormity of this crime. 155 The process by which the value of bonds and of public debts was increased by legislation. and that she may perchance take the lead in the intelligent and prudent organization of firm monetary systems. Stephens. was shown by a paper read before the Society of Arts of London. that it was published on page 354 of the coinage laws of the United States. both here and in Europe.000. to the use of which as money was destroyed by the act of February 12. He said: "A careful calculator told me the other day that shrinkage of values in this country after the fatal act was more than the whole expense of our war. by J. "Not only save the world at large from an abyss. 154 Shortly after the demonetization of silver in the United States. and 1873. and prevent the accomplishment of a stupid general crime. the production of silver in the United States rapidly increased. one of the ablest and most conservative of American statesmen. while that of gold largely diminished. or as much as we had before the crash of 1873. declared that it was more disastrous to the American people than the total cost and destruction of that bloody and protracted war between the North and the South. including all the hoarded gold and silver. That fatality was worse than war. but that she would advance her own material interests more than may be supposed possible.000. whose authors humanity would some day learn to curse. We want $9oo.ooo. 1872. People fear the silver flood. and the value of other property was correspondingly depreciated. I would let it come from all the world until we have a thousand millions in circulation.

first by Lord Liverpool in this country. Robertson says: "While it would take too much space to enter into details regarding the practical effects of this appreciation of gold.ooo. annuities. In speaking of the effects of the demonetization of silver. can not be less than L2. Such a colossal unearned increment as has accrued to the holders of securities valued in gold during the last twenty years in Europe and the United States. "The fall of all prices induced by this cause has been on such a scale that while in twenty years
.000. and producing classes generally in the United Kingdom to the holders of securities. later followed by the United States and Germany. and again by Sir Robert Peel at the instigation of Mr. This legislation has about doubled the burden of all national debts by an artificial enhancement of the value of money. and all other public questions sink into utter insignificance compared with it. If no other relief can be obtained. if it is stated that the transfer of wealth from the landed and propertied classes and from the mercantile. amounting to not less than from L7. it may be necessary to fix a commodity standard instead of a money standard for long-dated payments. as has been recommended by the principal economists of the last hundred years.000-000. which was supplemented recently by simultaneous anti-silver legislation in Berlin and Washington at the instance of the great financial houses." Think of it! The demonetization of silver by the United States and Europe so enhanced the exchange 156 value of gold over other forms of property that it added $10.ooo. Jones Loyd and other wealthy bankers.000.ooo. is entirely unparalleled in the history of the world.ooo. initiated in England by Lord Liverpool in 1815. etc. it will suffice to give some indication of the enormous injury it has inflicted. and from $35. the legislation arranged in the interest of a certain class.ooo to the wealth of the creditor classes of England. Sir Moreton Frewen well said: "It may.ooo to the accumulations of the creditor classes of Europe and the United States.000.ooo. and in describing the artificial increase of the value of money over all other species of property. due solely to the appreciation of gold.000.000 to L9. indeed.000. "It is already a question how much further the holders of securities are to receive the assistance of a continually contracting currency to enable them to go on absorbing further and further the wealth of the producing classes.Mr. manufacturing.000. mortgages. be affirmed without fear of contradiction.ooo.ooo to $45.. and in pointing out the class who are the sole beneficiaries of that infamous system.

in bar iron. While the modern system of banking and credit may be said to be even yet in its infancy."
To Chapter V To the Table of Contents
. By 1egislation intended to contract the currency and force down all prices. yet the value of the remaining one-third. bankers have been by far the most successful in intercepting and appropriating an undue share of produced wealth." which is no natural appreciation. "The aggravation of the burdens of taxation induced by this so-called "appreciation of gold. requires but to be explained to an enfranchised democracy. if declared. be an astounding revelation of the recent profits of this particular business. and not only has the business itself become a most profitable monopoly. or bales of cotton. that portion of the assets of the community which is to-day in the strong boxes of the bankers. measured in wheat. is a greater demand on the labor and industry of the nation than was the whole debt at the time it was contracted. the money owner has been able to increase the purchase power of his sovereign or dollar by the direct diminution of the price of every kind of property measured in money. "Of all classes of middle-men. the price paid for labor. is considerably greater. including wages. but its interests in a very few hands are diametrically opposed to the interests of the majority. which will know how to protect itself against further attempts to contract the 157 currency and force down prices to the confusion of every existing contract. would.the national debt of the United States quoted in dollars has been reduced by nearly two-thirds. but has been brought about by class legislation to increase the value of gold which is in few hands.

the conspiracy which seems to have been formed here and in Europe.Henri Cernushi. the money power successfully attained its great end in the halls of Congress. call out for him to be killed because he does not gallop. They resemble the people who. and.the national banking system. Congress merely registered the demands of this money power upon the statute books as the law of the land. and consequently an oppressive mastery over all other property. the money lenders of London. The financial legislation. to destroy by legislation and otherwise.The Coming Battle
158 CHAPTER V. Carlisle. the writer faithfully endeavored to give a true history of the legislation culmination in the act of February 12. 1873.
. EFFORTS TO REMONETIZE SILVER AND PRESERVE THE GREENBACK. and practically gave the banks a monopoly of the currency. Step by step. 1873. of the metallic money of the world. having tied the logs of a horse. we have ascertained that a single standard of gold was fastened upon the nation by the combined influence of England and her ally . up to this period." ." . In the preceding chapter. in 1878. 159 Since April 1. "It is the monometallists who are the authors of the depreciation which they point to as a proof of the unworthiness of the metal they cry down. was dictated by the national banks and their firm allies. The passage of the so-called specie resumption act of 1875 planted this country upon a gold standard. with the downfall of silver. is the most gigantic crime of this or any other age. nothing apparently stood in its way for the complete control of the currency of the nation. "According to my viewers of the subject. which struck down the standard silver dollar as the unit of account.John G. from three-sevenths to one-half.

in fact. without the consent of their constituents. Sherman. That their directors. force al1 business to bc tributary to the banks. decide the value of all property. That the scheme of finance embodied in the national banking act was imported from England by John Sherman . tens of thousands of failures occurred. in 1859. In one of his reports as Secretary of the Treasury. 1863. is to be regarded as one of the greatest crimes against modern civilization. the most disastrous panic ever known in history up to that time. After the demonetization of silver in 1873. can in secret session. The way was apparently clear to substitute a national bank credit currency in lieu of legal tender silver and greenbacks. To illustrate the immense power of the Bank of England over the people of Great Britain.This was the policy planned and matured by the money power to place the vast business interests of the nation upon a bank credit basis as the sole method of carrying on all trade and commerce.
. swept over this country. twenty-six in number. That such a power over the property and even over the lives of the people of this country can be allowed to exist is one of the phenomena of our civilization. England. Sherman appropriated its plan as the model of his scheme . Mr.the national banking act of February 25. This system of finance was the exact counterpart of that of England . in thus speaking of England and the United States. Mr. which says: 160 "Although it scarcely comes within the scope of their present object. signifies a unity of purpose to fasten on this country the British system. entailing losses of hundreds of millions of dollars of capital. it was borrowed from that country." In the face of this indictment against the Bank of England. we quote from a report made by the Chamber of Commerce of the city of Manchester.is indisputable." This language of Mr. the board will add a reflection upon the subject of the undue privileges assumed by the Bank of England.the author of the original bill providing for its creation . Sherman refers to this fact and says: "Both England and the United States have settled upon a bank currency secured by government bonds. and to perpetuate a huge national debt.

872 and liabilities were $190. the number of failures was 9.000. It was during this period that a celebrated divine. love.a total of failures numbering 45. in 1877.000. in 1875 the failures were 7. the flower of the industrial class. $155. and their just grievances were quenched by the regular army. struck against these starvation wages.000 .the American tramp .000 1n 1874.183. and the number of consumers was larger than ever before known. with liabilities of $1. and in many eases skilled workmen received a wage of less than one dollar per day. Exclusive of this immense loss to business. that eats bread in the morning with good
. in 1878.092 with a loss of $191. although the crops were abundant.in 1876.669. Then occurred an universal reduction of wages in all the leading industries throughout the United States. the amount of suffering borne by the people will never be known to the historian.161 906.740. and liabilities of $201. and these strikes spread all over the United States.. Hundreds of thousands of American citizens. assuming the proportions of a civil war. Hundreds of thousands of skilled and unskilled workmen were thrown out of employment.830.ll0. laugh.239. for the first time in the history of the United States.exceeding the enormous war indemnity paid by France to Germany.500. is a problem that must be solved some time in the near future. A family may live. In 1873.000.000. appeared that phenomenon .and bloodshed. resulting in tumults. The United States troops were called out to put down the workingmen at the point of the bayonet. in a sermon delivered from his pulpit. the number of failures was 5.-000.whose appearance and permanency. riots. said: "Is not a dollar a day enough to buy bread? Water costs nothing! And a man who cannot live on bread is not fit to live. as an established institution in civil society.478 with the vast aggregate of $234. Resource must be had to figures to convey an adequate idea of the magnitude of the disaster flowing from this wide spread ruin and wreckage of values. and the liabilities.000.The extent of the loss wrought by that great crash cannot be described by the language of man. Then.000 in liabilities . with liabilities of $228.the failures were 5.383. and be happy. the failures reached 10.195. the failures were 8.

at its very next session. the organ of the millionaire Senator Sharon. said: "We shall shortly find ourselves living under a monarchy. and good water and bread at noon. and graded income taxes. to punish with death any member of Congress that would make a speech on finance for the next twenty years." The New York Times. then." The Nevada Chronicle." Rev. said: "There seems to be but one remedy. editorially said: "We need a stronger government. I say come on with your schemes of confiscation and forced loans. a republican journal. Rather than allow these things we will have one of the fiercest of civil wars. and we shall. What we want is to be let alone. Jay Gould. Without capital and
. I would give a million dollars to see Grant in the white house." Hon. gave utterance to the following language in a speech delivered by him on the question of finance: "To-day. and water and bread at night. used this remarkable language in a speech delivered by him: "The strongest of this generation wants a dictator. a divine and public lecturer. Burrows." This humane discourse was uttered by a minister of the gospel who received the princely salary of $25. and if you are sufficiently frank in proclaiming the doctrines of your ringleaders. J. the best that could happen to the financial interests and the business interests would be for Congress to pass a law. and it must come . under military necessity.162 water.000 per annum. C. of Boston. The health of the country demands it. the great railroad wrecker. and even here in the United States. and we are on the high road to prosperity. under universal suffrage. Joseph Cook.a change of ownership of the soil and the creation of a class of land-owners on the one hand and of tenant farmers on the other something similar to what long existed in the older countries of Europe. a republican member of Congress from Michigan. we must get rid of universal 163 suffrage. and irredeemable currency.

and when the communistic tramps of the country raise mobs to tear up railroad tracks. and the sooner the theory is recognized in the constitution and laws. who said: "No man can imagine. and rivers of it. its rights are as sacred as the rights of the paupers who are continually prating of the encroachments of capital and against centralization. for self-preservation. He has nerve. the banks. the fires in furnaces went out. all the languages of the' world can not express what the people of the United States suffered from 1873 to 1879. there will be no political change of administration. a strong central government should be established as soon as possible. will sustain the supremacy of the republican party. and their influence was a standing menace against the liberties of the people. the poor families were turned adrift. The extent of the suffering throughout the duration of this panic is eloquently expressed by Colonel Ingersoll. "To avert fearful bloodshed. The capital of the country demands protection. Statesmen and financiers of 164 the stamp of Gould and Sharon are libels on the human race. supposing that they had enough to have all they loved in affluence and comfort. discovered a reason for the panic of
. and the manufacturers. and the highways of the United States mere crowded with tramps.' he would not hesitate to turn loose upon them canister and grape. and gigantic knaves." These are but a few of the many expressions of the sentiments entertained by a corrupt and subsidized press. the heavy importers. suddenly found that they were mendicants with bonds. clerical hypocrites. supposing they had enough to give sunshine to the winter of their age. The chimneys grew cold. The people are becoming educated up to this theory rapidly. mortgages.capitalists our government would not be worth a fig. and we know him to be a man for the place above all others. This panic hung over the people like a pall for seven long years. United States Senator Sharon was one of the most notorious corruptionists and libertines that ever disgraced the name of man. stocks. Without blood. The moneyed interests. men living in palaces. all turned to ashes in their hands. and all classes of business in which millions are invested. and to sack cities on the sham cry of `bread or blood." Of course the wise men of that day. must sustain the republican party. We have tried Grant. in their conceit. The railroads. the better it will be for the people. As President he would be commander-inchief of the army and navy. The health of the country has to bear the burden of government and it should contro1 it. Men who considered themselves millionaires found that they were beggars.

women. to fund the currency of the nation into interest-
. loss of employment. bankruptcies. in pursuance of the various acts of Congress. and children feel the pangs of hunger and starvation. corn. was the natural result of that financial policy. 166 Upon his appointment as the head of the Treasury Department. they asserted that over production was the moving cause that so fearfully multiplied failures. and starvation. want and starvation are results of the production of large quantities of wheat. Hugh McCulloch. and formed the burden of the stump speeches of designing politicians who sought political preferment. reiterated in the press. In their learned dissertations on the origin of this financial breakdown. This doctrine was taken up and echoed in the halls of Congress by alleged statesmen. threw workmen out of employment. the Chamber of Commerce of New York City adopted a resolution urging the immediate repeal of the specie Resumption Act of January 24. usually proceeded from failures of crops.1873. in 1876. sophistical argument had some weight-with the unthinking. "The United States as usual was influenced by Great Britain in making gold coin the standard. This absurd. instances of such suffering that were prevalent during the panic of 1873. and made hundreds of thousands of men. 1875. Such was the theory gravely announced by so-called learned professors of political economy. were during periods when nature exerted herself to the utmost to make bounteous provision for the wants of man. It was on this occasion that John Sherman met with this body. a policy initiated by Hon. which had persisted in a long continued contraction of the currency. who had been appointed Secretary of the Treasury in 1865. the want and suffering became so great that. This suits England but it does not suit us. he at once took measures. therefore. these immense crops were the 165 cause of panics. and gave utterance to the statement quoted in the preceding chapter that. It is a historical fact that a1l great panics that had occurred in the United States up to this time. hunger." One great cause of the panic originating in 1873. The scarcity of money. The reasoning of these financial wiseacres took the form of the following syllogism: Panics. Ordinarily. and other date the American people produced immense crops of farm products.

bearing bonds. and substituting the national bank circulation for the currency issued
. These conditions were so apparent. proceeded to carry out this policy of a merciless contraction of the currency to the full extent of his power. Mr." Hence it was the policy of the national banking money power. This volume of currency consisted of greenbacks.000 It has been denied that these treasury notes circulated as money. With this large volume of circulation the national banking money power saw that it was impossible to obtain control of the currency of the nation.983. The two classes of 7-30 treasury notes alone amounted to $845. but General Logan and numerous other public men of that day. Secretary McCulloch. business was transacted on a cash basis. that. certificates of indebtedness. At the time he began this policy of funding the currency into long time interest-bearing bonds. fractional currency. therefore. 1864. and thus be placed in the power of these banks. exclusive of gold and silver coin. Under the act of April 12. 7-30 notes of 1864-65.553. and to create a permanent public debt. by this funding of the ready cash of the country into bonds. 167 Money being plentiful. a national banker by profession. and national bank notes. state bank circulation. one and two-year treasury notes. 1866. in his rcport as Secretary of the Treasury for the year 1865. whether said notes were interestbearing or otherwise. declared that these notes formed a very material part of the volume of currency. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to exchange interest-bearing bonds for the notes circulating as money. temporary loan certificates. The people are now comparatively free from debt. the entire volume of the various notes performing the functions of money amounted to the sum of $1. postal currency. McCulloch said: "The country as a wholc. far in advance of what it was in 1857. notwithstanding the ravages of war and the draught upon labor. and. compound interest treasury notes. 7-30 notes of August and September. the people were not compelled to borrow the circulating notes of the national banks at a high rate of interest. is by its greatly developed resources.000.000.

and. the democracy was successful in the elections of 1874 and for the first time since 1860. 1877. which had been reduced to $346.the President was republican. on the 3d of February. Congress forbade the further destruction of the legal tenders. which appropriated money for a deficiency for the Bureau of engraving and printing. McCulloch. 1868.000. and ultimately the votes of the people who were obligated to the banks as borrowers. which came into existence March 4. 1873. initiated by Secretary McCulloch and followed by his successors. the Lower House was controlled by the party of Jefferson and Jackson.ooo.1875. It was then ascertained that silver had been demonetized by the act of February 12. In the Senate there were 46 republicans.000. In a speech delivered in the Senate in 1874. The House of Representatives was composed of 186 democrats and 107 republicans.ooo.by the government. 1875. 1876. from which dates a universal stagnation of business lasting seven long years. We include in 168 these last figures. 29 democrats. to control the business of the nation. that strong protests went up from the people. The total contraction of all forms of notes circulating as money. General Logan stated that the contraction of the volume of money up to that time was more than one billion dollars It was this murderous policy of contraction. This Congress convened on the 6th of December. and one vacancy. and continued in power unti1 the 4th of March.450. that eventually led to the panic of 1873. the Committee on Appropriations brought forward House bill 2. and contracted the volume of legal tender currency so rapidly. During this panic.ooo. Secretary McCulloch carried out this policy so energetically. and the House at once endeavored to enact measures to undo the wrong. reached the enormous sum of $1. during the administration of Mr. that this credit should be given to them by the government in the form of national bank notes. and section a
. the latter form of currency to be loaned by the banks to the business interest of the country. On March 27. all government obligations utilized as money by the people. During the Forty-fourth Congress. whether legal tender or othcrwise. The national banks desired that all business should be done upon credit.

reported the bill with amendments. offered an amendment making the trade dollar legal tender for any amount not exceeding fifty dollars.80 democrats.provided for the issue of subsidiary silver. These silver dollars werc to be exchanged for an equal amount of United States notes. Yeas 124. leaving gold the sole unlimited legal tender for the
. and interests on public debt. and 2 independents. which.authorized the exchange of silver dollars for an equal amount of United States notes to be retired. should it become a law. authorized the coinage of a silver dollar of 412. whilc it would increase its legal tender debt-paying power from five dollars to treaty dollars. for which the silver dollars were to be substituted.8 grains. The most vicious part of the amended bill was that which limited the legal tender debt-paying power of the silver dollar to twenty dollars. 169 Mr. 1 independent. Another . and it was referred to the Finance Committee. 1876. which were thus to be permanently retired from circulation. was an unlimited legal tender. 1 independent. dues. This was agreed to. Yeas 122 -50 democrats. Mr. as reported by Senator Sherman. and could not be utilized for the payment of interest on the public debt.a legal tender not exceeding twenty dollars in any one payment except for customs. for the reason that the silver dollar would be solely used to retire an equal amount of legal tender currency. 18 republicans. and also for coining silver bullion at its market value. from the Finance Committee. and 2 independents. canceled. 170 The propositions of the amended bill. The bill was transmitted to the Senate. 70 republicans.99 democrats. and not reissued. Sherman. the legal tender currency.a new section 4 . On April 10. As amended the bill passed. of which Mr.8 grains . Therefore. Reagan. could not be received for custom dues. 22 republicans. of Texas. The amended bill thus reported by Senator Sherman. nays 94 . except for duties on imports and interest on the public debt. Sherman was chairman. the adoption of this measure would be the substitution of a limited legal tender silver dollar for a full legal tender currency.28 democrats. and the silver coins less than one dollar for any amount not exceeding twenty-five dollars. nays 100 . and stopped the coinage of trade dollars. would not increase the volume of money a single dollar. one amending section 3 so as to authorize the coinage of a silver dollar of 412. 65 republicans.

S. in the Senate. 1876. were limited to five dollars for any one payment. the fine Italian hand of the money power was visible in the Senate amendment to this joint resolution. 1876. to be reissued only upon the retirement of fractional currency. public and private. Mr. reported a joint resolution to issue the silver coins in the Treasury to an amount not exceeding $10. It was passed without division. reported a resolution in three sections. On June 10. S. and that motion carried out of the bill the House amendment offered by Mr.8 grains. By this parliamentary device with the House bill. Mr. Cox. On June 10. June 21.
. Cox. The amended bill was discussed in the Senate. 1873. 1876. including duties on imports and interest on the public debt. which. 1876. the passage of which would have conferred an enlarged debt-paying power on the trade dollar. from the Committee on Banking and Currency. and was transmitted to the Senate. sections 3 and 4 of the amended bill were stricken out. thus striking down the trade dollar. Reagan which proposed to make trade dollars legal tender to the amount of fifty dollars. on motion of Mr. headed by the distinguished senior Senator from Ohio. to be kept as a special fund. the bill was considered on the report of the Finance Committee to strike out all after the enacting clause and insert four new sections. providing for an increased coinage of silver.payment of all debts.000.000 in exchange for an equal 171 amount of legal tender notes. which was passed without a division. and. by the act of February 12. Again. Sherman succeeded in killing that measure. Sherman. Section 1 provided for the coinage of silver dollars of 412. from the Committee on Banking and Currency. the House joint resolution was amended by adding a section prohibiting the coinage of the trade dollar except for export trade. In the Senate June 27. the only dollar authorized by the coinage law of 1873. to be legal tender for sums not exceeding twenty dollars. This was a substitute proposed by the Senate Committee on Finance. Mr.

was passed by a
. On June 29. 1876. 1876.635. Senator Bogy moved to amend section x of the Senate bill by striking out the words "Hot exceeding twenty dollars. Section 4. Bland. prohibiting legal tender of the trade dollar and limiting its coinage to export demand." the effect of which would be to make the silver dollar a full legal tender for the payment of all debts. the bill as amended was recommitted to the Finance Committee. 1876. 1876. where it slept the sleep that knows no waking. from the Committee on Mines and Mining. reported resolution 3. on December 13. Section 3 provided for purchasing silver bullion at market rates for such coinage.Section 2 provided for exchanging such dollars and minor coins for legal tenders to be canceled and not reissued or replaced. On July 19. 1876. This resolution was carried over to the next session of Congress. Mr. hence. should the silver so coined out of the bullion purchased by the government decline in bullion value as compared with gold. Mr. with full legal tender power. and limited its coinage to export demand. This was before the law of July 22. This bill also aimed at the coinage of silver on government account alone. On June 28. It furthermore took away all legal tender debt-paying power of the trade dollar. and. in the House of Representatives. had been enacted. 1876. 172 Again the scheme to substitute a limited legal tender silver dollar for United States notes and treasury notes was brought forward in these amendments. The continued efforts of the Senate to retire permanently the government legal tender notes were a part of the plan of the national banking money power to force the business of the country to be transacted by a credit money. authorizing the free coinage of gold and silver. 173 This substitute. The amendment was agreed to by a vote of 18 to 14. which provided for the free and unlimited coinage of the silver dollar of 412 1/2 grains. which restored silver to the position it occupied prior to 1873. Bland offered a substitute for the resolution of July 19. the national banking money power would demand that the silver dollar be redeemed in gold. to be made without loss in coinage and issue.

a joint resolution was adopted by Congress which provided for the creation of s Monetary Commission. all generous emotions. three members of the House of Representatives. In speaking of the effect of the volume of money on values. and. The conditions of life were so hard that individual selfishness was the only thing consistent with the instinct of self-preservation. but it was certainly coincident with the shrinkage in the volume of money. or more strictly speaking.000. It was sent to the republican Senate. All public spirit. "To consist of three Senators. the majority report says: "At the Christian era the metallic money of the Roman empire amounted to $1. referred to the Finance Committee where it was smothered by John Sherman. Population dwindled. But not less than the energizing influence of Potosi and Fll the argosies of treasure from the net world were needed to arouse the old world from its
.vote of 168 yeas to 53 nays. to be appointed by the Speaker." On March 2.000. The people were 174 reduced by poverty and misery to the most degraded conditions of serfdom and slavery. and commerce. wealth. and commerce. as its conclusion. All other attendant circumstances than these last have occurred in other historical periods unaccompanied and unfollowed by any such mighty disasters. the commission made its report.000.800. advocated an immediate return to the bi-metallic standard of sixteen to one. gave a history of the bi-metallic laws in force previous to 1873. to be selected by and associated with them. 1876. "History records no such disastrous transition as that from the Roman empire to the dark ages. Various explanations have been given of this entire breaking down of the framework of society. By the end of the fifteenth century it had shrunk to less than $200. which was also without historical parallel The crumbling of institutions kept even step and pace with the shrinkage in the stock of money and the falling of prices. trade. all the noble aspirations of man shriveled and disappeared as the volume of money shrunk and as prices fell. On August 15. During this period a most extraordinary and baleful change toot place in the condition of the world. and to give its opinion as to "The best means for providing for facilitating the resumption of specie payments. together with their effects on the value of commodities. to be appointed by the Senate. 1877. and experts not exceeding three in number. arts.000. and freedom all disappeared. It is a suggestive coincidence that the first glimmer of light only came with the invention of bills of exchange and paper substitutes. and the baleful influences of falling prices on society. The disintegration of society was almost complete. several reports." Congress instructed the commission to make an examination into the money question. through which the scanty stock of the precious metals was increased in efficiency. The majority report signed by five of its members.

finally perish. inasmuch as every attempt made by Congress for the restoration of silver as legal tender money has been denounced as a scheme to rob the public creditors . to shake off the shackels of feudalism." This conclusion has been abundantly verified. and Representative Gibson handed in a minority report.a charge which has been reiterated thousands of times in the press. to relight and uplift the almost extinguished torch of civilization. or by the concurrence of the commercial nations of
. In Europe this reason was distinctly avowed. the very fiber of social organism. unless relieved. the vitalizing force of industry. Without money civilization could not have had a beginning. and that the recovery therefrom and the comparative prosperity which followed the discovery of America were due to an increasing supply of the precious metals and rising prices." The report sets out the reason why silver was demonetized in 1873. in his minority report as a member of the commission. "It needed the heroic treatment of rising prices to enable society to reunite its shattered links. with a diminishing supply it must ]anguish. the protoplasm of civilization.comatose sleep. Money is the 175 great instrument of association. It says: "Manifestly the real reason for the demonetization of silver was the apprehension of the creditor classes (money lending classes) that the combined production of the two metals would raise prices and cheapen money unless one of them was shorn of the money function. in which it was stated that every attempt made previous to 1873 to establish a double standard "has been a total failure. will not seem surprising or unreasonable when the noble functions of money are considered. That the disasters of the dark ages were caused by decreasing money and falling prices. and as essential to its existence as oxygen is to animal life. stated his conclusions in effect as follows. he said: "A successful use of gold and silver simultaneously in any country can be effected only by their consolidation upon an agreed ratio of value. to quicken the torpid limbs of industry. Professor Bowen. in the halls of Congress and elsewhere. and. and to plume the leaden wings of commerce." Senator Boutwell. of Massachusetts.

and which was in control until March 4. introduced a bill in the House of Representatives entitled. which coins. the Senate consisted of 39 republicans. November 5. Bland. the national banking money power became more imperious in its demands upon the government. Beck and other members of Congress denounced Secretary Sherman for bestowing such munificent favors upon a fear great banks. therefore. 1837. He was the beneficiary of that fraud . 36 democrats and 1 independent.Rutherford B." On the 4th of March. together
. In the formation of his cabinet he selected John Sherman for the responsible post of Secretary Of the Treasury. During the time he was at the head of that greet department. The immense resources of the Treasury were practically placed at the disposal of the banks. 1877.the world. silver dollars of the weight of 412 1/2grains troy of standard silver. which fact became so notorious. as provided in the act of January 18. The United States Treasury was made wholly subservient to the clearing house of New York City. which came into power March 4. Mr.the Returning Board of Louisiana. the House was democratic by a vote of 156 to 136. During the session of the Forty-fifth Congress. of Missouri. In the first or called session of the Forty-fifth Congress. That there shall be coined at the several mints of the United States. "Until the 176 effort to secure the cooperation of other nations has been faithfully tried. Hayes was inaugurated President of the United States. "An act to authorize the free coinage of the standard silver dollar and to restore its legal tender character. 1877." He. advocated a postponement of the free coinage of silver by the United States." The text of the bill was as follows: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress 177 assembled. that United States Senator James B. 1877. on which shall be the devices and superscriptions provided by said act. 1879 the President was republican.

except where otherwise provided by contract. and Pennsylvania a great preponderance over the rest of the nation. by far the greater portion was expended in those few states lying along the Atlantic. in a speech delivered on the 14th of February. During the debate in the Senate on this silver bill. On November 21. the whole civilized world would be bankrupt before sunset. for all debts and dues. Hon. for his benefit. at their nominal value. and actual specie payments should be enforced.used the following strong language: "If by any process all business were compelled to be transacted on a coin basis. and these railways were owned by Eastern capitalist. from the Finance Committee. the legislation of Congress tended wholly for the benefit of the East." The rules were suspended by a vote of 164 yeas to 34 nays. and any owner of silver bullion may deposit the same at any United States coinage mint or assay office. John J. the burdens of which fell upon the consumer. and shall be a legal tender. the great railway corporations. and the bill was passed and transmitted to the Senate. 1877. Almost every lair was enacted with the view of giving the New England states. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. out of the billions of money appropriated by Congress during that period." and to insert in lieu thereof a purchasing clause. Eastern corporations received subsidies of public money to the amount of millions. There is not coin enough in existence to meet in specie the one-thousandth part of the
. burdened with liabilities far exceeding their assets. exorbitant tariffs were levied on imported goods for the benefit of Eastern manufacturers. public and private. foreign contract labor laws were adopted to afford these highly-protected manufacturers an abundant supply of cheap labor as a means for 178 crushing the various labor organizations. Allison. New York. From 1862 up to 1875. and to add section a for an international monetary conference. reported the bill to the Senate with amendments to strike out the clause beginning "And any owner of silver bullion. robbed the west and south of hundreds of millions of dollars by the imposition of heavy transportation charges. Ingalls. 1877.with all silver dollars heretofore coined by the United States of like weight and fineness. a republican Senator from Kansas. to be coined into such dollars. "Section 2. upon the same teens and conditions as gold bullion is deposited for coinage under existing laws. Mr. while the rich silver mines of the West mere practically rendered valueless by the demonetization of silver.

unjust tariffs have repressed their industries. they must coalesce. and not by its capital." the Mississippi was left choked with its drifting sands till the daring genius of Eads undertook the gigantic labor of compelling the great stream to dredge its own channel to the sea. The opening of this avenue of commerce marks the epoch of the emancipation of the west and south from their bondage to the capital of the east. and united they will be invincible. he thus arraigns the greed of the East: "The Senator from Wisconsin was right. It is not the east against the west. If the bonds of this government are ever paid. Their interests are mutual and identical. invidious discriminations have been made against their products. its productive 179 industry against its accumulations. neither in gold nor silver in January. I am astonished at their' moderation. "The alliance between the west and the south upon all matters affecting their material welfare hereafter is inevitable. It is the corn and wheat and beef and cotton of the country against its bonds and its gold. Unfriendly legislation has imposed intolerable burdens upon their energies. the wrongs they have suffered. 1879. "These great communities have been alienated by factions that have estranged them only to prey upon them and to maintain political supremacy by their separation. The valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri. With the removal of the causes of political dissension that have so long separated them. and at the same time it was
. nor at any other date. "It is the east against the west and south combined. and to erect beacons upon every headland to warn the mariner with silent admonition from the "merchant-marring rocks. they will be paid by the labor of the country. as an actual fact.commercial obligations of mankind. with their tributaries. In asking the passage of this bill they are asking less than they will ever ask again. form an empire that most have a homogeneous population and a common destiny from the Yellowstone to the Gulf. Ingalls against the cupidity of the East were true. Specie payments." The charges made by Mr. When I reflect upon the burdens they have borne. The pretense that they will be is either dishonest or delusive. It is the men who own the public debt against those who are to pay it. will never be resumed. While vast appropriations have been made to protect the harbors of the Atlantic." The Senator in the same speech points to the fact that the Eastern section of the country had subordinated all Federal legislation to their demands. if it is to be paid at all. They ate exempt from taxation and bear none of the burdens of society. here nor elsewhere.

and is exchanged day by day for daily bread. Armies and navies are not maintained by gold. and whenever it is mast needed it always disappears. It penetrates the remotest channels of commerce. Every defeat gave it increased value. On the contrary. If it retires at the approach of danger. No nation every fought a great war by the aid of gold. and the idol of the miser and the thief. ship t and disaster.180 a bitter condemnation of the record of the republican party. At the slightest alarm it begins to loot for a refuge. It is the most cowardly and treacherous of all metals. It was worth most when our fortunes were lowest. "No people in a great emergency ever found a faithful ally in gold. During the same speech on this bill. It is the money of cages and retail. It is the instrument of gamblers and speculators. It has no friend whom it does not sooner or later betray. it becomes haughty and sensitive and shrinks at the approach of danger. Its tendency is toward diffusion and dissemination. Its tendency is to accumulate in vast masses in the commercial centers. balk. Gold paid no soldier nor sailor. Go1d is the money of monarchs. and all its energies were evoked for our destruction. in the crisis of greater peril it becomes an enemy more potent than the foe in the field. or from the presence of an inferior currency. but when the battle is won and peace has been secured. it still remains at
. and small subdivisions prevents its deportation in sufficient amount to disturb or unsettle values. It was in open alliance with our enemies the world over. gold reap and claims the fruits of victory. the brilliant Kansan had recourse to metaphor to upbraid those who advocated a single standard of gold. In our own civil war it is doubtful if the gold of 181 New York and London did not work us greater injury than the powder and lead and iron of the rebels. It enters into the minute concerns of traffic. it becomes the chief agent and minister of ruin. In times of panic and calamity. But silver is the money of the people. and at the same time he paid a glowing tribute to the monetary properties of the silver dollar as the money of the people He said: "No enduring fabric of national prosperity can be builded on gold. But as usual when danger has been averted and the victory secured. gold swaggers to the front and asserts the supremacy. It makes no treaty that it docs not break. the exchanges of nations are effected by it. It flies from the nation at war to the nation at peace. War makes it a fugitive. and to move from kingdom to kingdom in such volumes as to unsettle values and disturb the finances of the world. kings covet it. It was the most invincible enemy of the public credit. and its abundance. Being the object of so much adoration. It refused the national obligation.

while it would be felt more sensibly at the moment. who opposed the remonetization of silver in any form whatever. and famines that ever occurred in the history of the world. "The absolute and instantaneous destruction of half the entire movable property of the world. and I see no reason to apprehend that it wil1 ever be so. for. the conspiracy which seems to have been formed here and in Europe to destroy by legislation and otherwise from three-sevenths to onehalf of the metallic money of the world is the most gigantic crime of this or any other age. commerce. Among other powerful advocates of the coinage of silver me John G. Thc consummation of such a scheme would ultimately entail more misery upon the human race than all the wars. the more valuable became gold proportionately.home ready to respond to the first summons for its return. Carlisle charged that the demonetization of silver was brought about by a conspiracy of the money power. The silver bill as amended by the Senate was returned to the House for concurrence and passage. railroads and other appliances for carrying on commerce. Yet these Credit Mobilicr statesmen were the ones who prated the loudest for the "public credit. He said: "I know that the world's stock of precious metals is none too large. and thus he scathingly denounced the greed of the gold gamblers and bullion brokers of the East. had. would not produce anything like a pro-
." and "honest money. during the war. in their past careers. and a fierce debate arose between the friends of silver and its opponents. Those members of Congress. and industry. The manner in which the House bill was mutilated by the Senate aroused the anger of the House." The characteristics which he attributes to gold in this beautiful figure of speech. were those which belonged to its owners. shown a remarkable inclination for Credit Mobilier stock." It was Satan preaching against sin. Some of those who most strongly opposed the bill as a concession to the West and South 182 were men who men notorious for the scandals that blackened their reputations as public men. including houses." "the public faith. According to my views of the subject. ships. rejoiced at every reverse of the northern armies. and other corrupt deals which had so deeply disgraced preceding Congresses. Mr. Carlisle. with the sinking of the fortunes of the Union cause. who was recognized on the floor of the House as its ablest logician. pestilences. Mankind will be fortunate indeed if the annual production of gold and silver coin shall keep pace with the annual increase of population. who.

in which he advised the blocking of the wheels of government by a refusal to appropriate money for its support should the President veto the bill. syndicates. If he witholds his signature. let us. It was the bill as amended by the Senate or nothing. and was presented to President Hayes." This terrific arraignmcnt of the money power was followed by an appeal to the House. was. He said: " The struggle now going on cannot cease. with the distinct understanding that if the people can get no relief the government can get no money. The bill as amended by the Senate finally passed both houses. and combinations of capital. It will be remembered that the sole reason advanced by John Sherman. to enact them into laws notwithstanding his veto. for at that tinge the upper house was the stronghold of the money grabbers. at this time Secretary of the Treasury. as a last resort. if we can do no better. Let us. 184 In his veto message. the President states that one of the reasons why the bill does not meet hie approval arose from the fact that the proposed dollar would be worth but ninety or ninety-two cents. that it was worth less than the gold dollar.183 longed distress and disorganization of society that must inevitably result from the permanent annihilation of one-half the metallic money of the world. for the demonetization of the silver dollar in 1868 and subsequent years. pass bill after bill. embodying in each some subtantia1 provision for relief. who returned it to the House with his veto and a message stating his reasons for refusing to sign the measure. as compared with the standard gold dollar. and ought not to cease. chose greed was so severely denounced in the powerful speech of Mr. President Hayes. suspend the rules and put them into the general appropriation bills. and other great combinations of money grabbers in this country and in Europe. and we are unable to secure the necessary vote. and send them to the executive for his approval. stock exchanges." After a long debate the House anally acquiesced in the senate amendments. that the silver dollar was more valuable than the gold dollar. here or elsewhere.
. and presumably his Secretary of the Treasury. Carlisle. urged as a reason for the veto of this bill providing for the coinage of silver. until all the industrial interests of the country are fully and finally emancipated from the heartless domination of syndicates.

payable a year in advance. and by the people.The President says: "The right to pay duties in certificates for silver deposits will. To enable the reader to fully understand the coinage law of 1878. After the passage of this bill over his veto. I cannot approve a bill which. when they are issued is sufficient amount to circulate. put an end to the receipt of revenues in gold. 1878.
. and thus compel the payment of silver for both the principal and interest on the public debt. National promises should be kept with unflinching fidelity. There is no power to compel a nation to pay its just debts. it rode rough shod over his veto by more than the necessary two-thirds vote. authorizes the violation of sacred obligations The obligation of public faith transcends all questions 185 of profit or public advantage. that noble patriot who originally bought bonds as low as thirty-five cents on the dollar. was the dear object of the President's solicitude. on the same day." The future receipts of revenues have shown that this prophecy of President Hayes fell to the ground. had become sacred in the eyes of the weak Hayes. and the bill became a lair on the 28th day of February. in my judgment. 1869 an act which enhanced the value of his bonds enormously. bearing gold interest the equivalent in currency to eighteen per cent. and. and used by him as loaded dice to gamble on the public credit. The bond holders who secured the passage of the Credit Strengthening Act of March 18. Its unquestionable maintenance is the dictate as well of the highest expediency as of the most necessary duty. The nation owes what it has led or allowed its creditors to expect. The President further says: "The standard of value should not be changed without the consent of both parties to the contract. and should ever be carefully guarded by the executive.. The veto message of the President angered Congress. we incorporate the text of the act in full. by congress. Its credit depends on its honor." This plea for the poor bond holder. the volume of gold in circulation and in the banks increased in the course of a few years to many millions of dollars.

at their nominal value. silver dollars of the weight of 412 1/2 grains troy of standard silver. etc. internationally. shall be a legal tender.000. And the secretary of the treasury is authorized and directed to purchase. on which shall be the devices and superscriptions provided by said act. viz. 1837. as may be mutually agreed upon by the executives of the governments joining in the same. into such dollars. exclusive of such resulting coin. "Section 2.000 worth per month nor more than $4. or any three of them.000. as provided in the act of January 18. from time to time. by and with the advice and consent of the senate. such conference to be held at such place. for the purpose of establishing. and of such other European nations as he may deem advisable. and cause the same to be coined monthly. not less than $2. public and private. "Be it enacted.000 worth per month. who shall transmit the same to congress 187
. and a sum sufficient to carry out the foregoing provision of this act is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. appoint three commissioners.000. at the several mints of the United States. "The President shall. to join the United States in a conference to adopt a common ratio between gold and silver. and shall report the doings thereof to the President. at such time within six months.: "An act to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar. That there shall be coined. whenever the governments so invited. as provided under existing laws relative to the subsidiary coinage: Provided. together with all silver dollars heretofore coined by the United States. And any gain or seigniorage arising from this coinage shall bc accounted for and paint into the treasury. That nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize the payment in silver of certificates of deposit issued under the provisions of section 254 of the Revised Statutes. who shall attend such conference on behalf of the United States. That immediately after the passage of this act the President shall invite the governments of the countries comprising the Latin union. And provided further. the use of bimetallic money and securing fixity of relative value between those metals. except where otherwise expressly stipulated in the con186 tract. of like weight and fineness.000. shall not exceed $5. for all debts and dues. shall have signified their willingness to unite in the same. as fast as so purchased. and to restore its legal tender character.It is as follows. silver bullion at the market price thereof. in Europe or the United States. which coins. That the amount of money at any one time invested in such silver billion. so called.

The House bill was a free coinage measure. Therefore. and the amount necessary to pay such compensation and expenses is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated." A comparison drawn between the provisions of the original bill introduced by Mr. Free and unlimited coinage of silver likewise would have created a demand for it as money as extensive as its production. and all public dues. Free coinage of gold created an unlimited demand for it as money. the law which conferred the right of free coinage upon the owner of gold bullion created an unlimited demand 188 of the use of that precious metal as money. the Government had never restricted the amount of gold coinage.money. and those of the act of February 28th.5000 and their reasonable expenses. when en received. The coin deposited for or representing the certificates shall be retained in the treasury for the payment of the same on demand. The demand for the use of those metals has always exceeded their supply. and receive therefor certificates Of not less than ten dollars each. corresponding with the denominations of the United States notes. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. and returned to him as full legal tender money.
. Said certificate shall be receivable for customs. the owner of gold bullion had the right of entry to any mint of the United States. Bland and passed by the House. prior to its demonetization in 1873. may be reissued. and. in law."Said commissioners shall each receive the sum of $2. to bc approved by the secretary of state. "Section 3. will be instructive. "Section 4. taxes. the chief use of the precious metals arose from their utility as a medium of exchange . in sums not less than ten dollars. It proposed to restore silver to the same position which it held. Under free coinage. he could have his bullion transformed into gold coin without charge. That any holder of the coin authorized by this act may deposit the same with the treasurer or any assistant treasurer of the United States. In all ages. and it placed silver as a money metal on the same footing as gold.

" a "90-cent dollar. and the gain or seigniorage arising from this coinage was to be paid into the Treasury. He was not compelled to purchase silver exceeding $2. should not exceed $5.000 of silver nor more than $4.000 per month.000. the coinage of silver dollars was limited.000. This surplus would fix the price of every ounce of silver mined in the United States. Since the demonetization of silver in 1873. the production of silver from the mines of the United States amounted to more than $45. or $24. Sherman held the Treasury portfolio. exclusive of such resulting coin. It was further provided in that act. It will be seen that the Secretary of the Treasury was not legally compelled to purchase more silver per month than the minimum amount ($2. and it was averred that he would use all the influence of his once to discredit the new coinage." Mr.
. that the amount of money at any one time invested in such silver bullion.000for that year.000 per annum. A purchase of the minimum amount of silver wou1d afford a market for only one-half of the yearly production. and his subsequent speeches and writings gave abundant proofs of that fact.By the Bland-Allison lair. He was known to be an unrelenting enemy of the free coinage of silver.000).000 per month. At the time of the passage of the Bland-Allison law. This result would afford an opportunity for the national banking money power to point to the silver dollar as a "dishonest dollar.000. its total production in the United States amounted to $210.000. This law provided for the purchase of not less than $2. causing a fall in its bullion value.000.000. made the Government a "bear" in the silver market. and this mould result in an accumulation of a 189 large surplus for which there would be no demand. and that coinage was on Government account alone. By this restriction the Secretary of the Treasury could limit the annual purchase of silver to $29. The hellion so bought by the Government was to bc coined into dollars as fast as purchased.000.000.000.000.000.000. and this policy which was carried out by the Secretary.

J. costing it one cent on the dollar. While the powerful Government of the United States was compelled to receive these silver dollars far debts and demands due it. yet it conferred upon money lenders the power to demonetize it by private contract. denominated "gold contracts. Barr Robertson stated that "The French law makes it criminal to act on the basis of premium on money or discount on moncy.
. the holders of mortgages could exact gold obligations. It always did so. It transferred to the hands of the national banking money poorer the right to loan Government credit in the form of bank notes. 1887. and real estate mortgages and promissory notes amounting to immense sums mere made payable in gold coin." The policy of France. having for its object an enlarged use of silver as money. It built up a powerful privileged class." Railroad bonds and mortgages containing gold clauses." This exception was the most absurd provision ever embodied in a monetary law. at a high rate of interest. the sovereign power of the State over the legal value of money cannot be impaired by the greed of money changers. In that nation. makes it a crime for any one of its citizens to attempt to demonetize its money by private contract. "Except where otherwise expressly stipulated in the contract. whose interests would be antagonistic to any future legislation of Congress. It made the merc will of an individual superior to the collective will of the nation. bullion dealers. which has the most scientific system of money in the world. on June 24. It declared the silver dollar to be legal tender. exact a note payable in gold. It placed the greed of 190 the shylock above the power of the constitution. with the "vested privilege" of making war against the currency of the United States." all of which contained a stipulation that the obligation 191 should be payable in "Gold coin of the present weight and fineness or its equivalent. and bankers. In his uncontradicted evidence before the British gold and silver commission. Every usurer was permitted to constitute himself a Congress and a President to demonetize silver at will. were fastened upon this species of property.This law gave rise to a net form of contracts based upon the legal tender clause which contained the following language. aggregating many hundreds of millions of dollars. After the enactment of this law a net system of written contracts providing for the payment of money came into vogue.

The object of this section in providing for the issuance of silver certificates was to obviate objections against the use of silver because of its weight. Not a single United States bond expressed an agree-meat to pay in gold. and for the purpose of establishing an international bi-metallic money. and is therefore unconstitutional. and it scorns that. who. taxes and all public dues. and on the highest grounds of public policy. These certificates were receivable for customs. on the plainest principles of justice. The Commissioners mere to report the doings of the conference and he was to transmit the same to Congress. Section 3 provided for the issue of silver certificates to any person who deposited with the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the United States silver dollars in sums of not less than ten dollars. The certificate was a credit money
. and it practically made the single standard of gold the financial policy of the country. The coin deposited for these certificates was to be retained in the treasury for the payment of the said certificates on demand. This section marked the beginning of those successive pilgrimages of so-called international monetary commissions. as the representatives of the United States. Section a of the Bland-Allison Act authorized the President to invite the countries of Europe to join the United States in a conference to secure the adoption of a common ratio between gold and silver. humiliated the American people by begging the aid of European monarchies to assist in the establishment of a financia1 system for this republic. a coin constantly appreciating in value. by authorizing them to exact gold payments. and securing fixity of relative value between these metals. and yet the Government turned the great majority of its citizens over to the tender mercies of the moneylenders of the East and Great Britain.This plan of the money-lending class actually made an enormous indebtedness payable in gold. if any should bc held. The legality of contracting against any part of the legal tender money of the nation is extremely doubtful. a contract in which it is sought to demonetize legal tcndcr money is utterly void. The President was authorized to appoint three Commissioners to represent the United States at such 192 conference. and when so received could be reissued.

Dares.that yellow divinity of the money changers . So far as is known. Jones. Ferry. Senators Morill. To Senator Booth. Daring this conference the following statements were made by the Secretary to the committee in answer to the inquiries of its members: 194
. which latter constituted a trust fund as a means for redeeming the certificates. Mr.000. Wallace. three weeks after the law was in force. 1879. 1879. belongs the honor of suggesting the provisions of section 3 of this law. the national banking money power and its subsidized press continually prophesied that if the silver bill should become a law. to offer greenbacks for gold. and for the plain reason that greenbacks were at par with gold . and Voorhees. leaving this country upon a 193 silver basic. had a conference with Secretary Sherman to obtain his views upon the effect of the new silver coinage law upon resumption. On the 19th of March. Coe still retains his $50.before the 1st day of January. should President Hayes not veto the bill. Section 4 repealed all former laws inconsistent with the act. the gold of the nation would take flight to Europe. George S. 1878. was that it would endanger the resumption of specie payments. Bayard. as stated heretofore. which he publicly stated that he would offer for the privilege of having the first opportunity to present greenbacks for redemption in gold. Coe. and that it would result in placing the country on a silver basis.based on the silver dollars so deposited. and numerous predictions were made by them that it would be impossible to resume specie payment if it became a law. When this bill was up for consideration before Congress. Kernan. publicly stated that he would give $50.000 to be at the head of the line of those who would present themselves at the sub-treasury on the 1st day of January. One of the reasons urged against the passage of the Bland-Allison law. of California. approached. Allison. The leading national bank presidents of New York City were especially active in denouncing the bill. President of the American Exchange National Bank of New York City. composing the Finance Committee of the Senate.

"Now. I will give the favorable effects. and except the balance of revenue over expenditure. we accumulate some coin. sir. Noir. yet it is latterly largely increased. "On the other hand. No doubt there is a difference of opinion between the West and South and the East on-this subject. "Senator Bayard: You are speaking of resumption upon the basis of silver. Although the movement of our bonds in this direction has been pretty steady for more than a year. and with less accumulation of gold. I think it can be maintained better upon a bi-metallic. I have matched its operations very closely. on the question of resumption. by the passage of the silver bill. The recent returns in Net York show the amount of bonds absorbed in this country is at least a million and a quarter a day. and I think resumption can bc maintained with a less amount of silver than of gold alone. Chairman. I think. or is likely to have upon resumption? "Secretary Sherman: I do not want to tread on delicate ground in answering that question. no doubt. Since the 1st of January we have accumulated no coin. how much I am not prepared to say. the silver bill satisfied a strong public demand for bi-metallic money. Mr. except for coin certificates. or alternative standard. and it has had some favorable effects. Resumption can be maintained more easily upon a double standard than upon a single standard the bulky character of silver would prevent payments in it. and that has been done. largely sectional. would be more 195 freely demanded. In a government like ours it is always good to obey the popular current. Perhaps the best way for me to proceed would be to state the adverse effects first It has undoubtedly stopped refunding operations. and that demand is. being more portable. as to the silver bill. The revenues in coin being more than enough to pay the interest of the debt and coin liabilities. In the first place. I have not been able largely to sell bonds. Since the agitation of the silver question. or of silver and gold?" "Senator Sherman: Yes. while gold.remarkably so. In this way remonetization of silver would rather aid resumption. although I have made every effort to do so. but the desire for remonetization of silver was almost universal. We have sold scarcely
. "Another effect that the silver bill has had is to cause the return of our bonds from Europe. another adverse effect the silver bill has had is to stop the accumulation of coin.Chairman: What effect has the silver bill had. I shall have to confess that I have been mistaken myself. than upon a single one. I think the silver bill has had some adverse effects. The bonds that have been returned from Europe have been readily absorbed .

"Senator Voorhees: That shows." Senator Bayard: I understand that it works practically very well. Do you mate that proposition irrespective of the readjustment of the relative values of the two metals as we have declared them? 196 "Secretary Sherman: I think so. would there not be an element of strength added in favor of resumption. This shows the confidence of the people in our securities. Mr. gold coin can be exported.any from the Treasury since that time. Our mere right to pay in silver would deter a great many people from presenting notes for redemption who would readily do so if they could get the lighter and more portable coin in exchange Besides. while silver coin could not be exported.when one is worth ten cents less than the other? "Secretary Sherman: Just so long as it can be used for anything that gold is used for. but what are on to do as your silver coin is minted' By the 1st of July next or the 1st of January next you have eighteen or twenty millions of silver dollars which are in circulation and payable for duties. "Senator Jones: Then. and how long do you suppose this short supply of silver and your control of it by your coinage will keep it equivalent to gold . because its market value is less than its coin value. It will be
. in its effect upon the return of the vast amount of bonds you refer to. Secretary. many circumstances favor this. and their rapid absorption will tend to check the European scare. "Senator Jones: Would the fact that they come back enable us to maintain resumption much easier? "Secretary Sherman: Undoubtedly. "Senator Bayard: You speak of resumption upon a bi-metallic basis being easier. When a paper dollar is worth ninety-eight cents nobody's going to take it to the Treasury and get ninety-two cents in silver. So long as the silver is less in value than the paper you will have no trouble in redeeming your paper. that this cry of alarm in New York was unfounded. this capital seeks our bonds when this bi-metallic basis is declared?" Secretary Sherman: Yes. Then. The demand for bonds extends to the West and to the banks. in that the interest on these bonds returned mould not be a constant drain upon the country? "Secretary Sherman: Undoubtedly.

could be paid at the option of the government in standard silver dollars of 412 1/2grains without violation of the public faith. speculators opportunities to depress or raise the price of 197 bonds. bat in our country that can be avoided by depositing it for coin-certificates. All proposed amendments were voted down. and thus afford the gold gamblers and stock. To afford a consecutive statement of the various financial measures of Congress. 1878. after the passage of the Bland-Allison law. 1870. and large quantities of the former metal could be readily shifted back and forth between New York City and London as a means to create temporary panics. Secretary Sherman authorized the subtreasury at New York City to become a member of the Clearing House Association.
. we must retrace our steps to the 16th day of January. from its portability. In 1878. To set this question at rest forever. and the Resumption Act of January 14. and it demonstrated the real reason why a single standard of gold was preferred by the national banking money power. stocks.worth in this country the par of gold until it becomes so abundant and bulky that people will become tired of carrying it about. of Ohio. Gold." Such was the testimony given by Secretary Sherman in reply to the questions propounded to him by these distinguished men. This act of Secretary Sherman was an exceedingly shrewd move on his part to add an official sanction to the war that was to be waged against the use of silver and silver certificates by the Clearing House Association. declaring that all United States bonds issued under the Refunding Act of July 14. submitted a concurrent resolution in the Senate. This association was the most powerful financial body in the United States. and the resolution was agreed to by a vote of 43 yeas to 22 nays. At and prior to this time a controversy arose as to whether United States bonds were payable in gold solely. and it was the head and front of the money power. could be more easily exported than silver. whose membership consisted of sixty-six national banks of that city. Senator Matthews. 1875. and securities whenever it subserved their interests.

That all the bonds of the United States issued under the said acts of Congress herein before recited are payable. in silver dollars of the coinage of the United States. Divested of its preamble which merely recited the facts in controversy. The resolution received a majority. and this was done with the open consent of the Secretary of the Treasury. is not in violation of the public faith nor in derogation of the rights of the public creditor. 1878.On January 29. the resolution is as follows: "Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring therein). and that to restore to its coinage such silver coins as a legal tender in payment of said bonds. This resolution was brought forward in the House as a warning to the Clearing House Association of New York City. principal and interest. and it failed to pass. On December 9. the House agreed to the resolu198 tion in the form in which it came from the Senate by a vote of 189 yeas to 79 nays. 1879. Fort moved that the House suspend the rules and pass a resolution." It is in force to this day as declaratory of the financial policy of the United States. who had made the sub-treasury at New York City a member of the Clearing House Association as an aid to the consummation of its schemes. declaring any discrimination against standard silver dollars by National Banking Associations a defiance of law.
. for its refusal to accept silver dollars and silver certificates in settlement of balance due from the various banks. at the option of the government of the United States. composed largely of national banks. containing 412 1/2grains each of standard silver. The republican members of the House voted almost solidly against the resolution. principal and interest. Mr. but not the necessary two-thirds vote. Although the Bland-Allison law was in effect but a few months. and instructing the Committee on Banking and Currency to report a bill for withdrawing their circulation. the traitorous national banking money 199 power at once begun a war upon the lawful money of the United States.

passed a law requiring that no national bank should become a member of any clearing house. second. Colgate) objecting. are first.
. and although they exerted their utmost power to degrade the silver dollar and its representative." In spite of the immense power of the banks.. [November. Although the organized banks still continued their aggressions upon the rights of the people. The leading features of it. at which a desk is to be assigned to a representative of the United States Treasury. in which the latter said: "On the 8th inst. gave origin to a warm debate in Congress. and that those banks were emboldened to pursue that course by the acquiescence of the Secretary. He proceeded to quote from a statement made by Mr. except as re-payable in kind. At the bank meeting on the 12th Mr. and third. recalled this fact and asserted that the former had. during which Secretary Sherman was severely criticized for giving official sanction to the acts of the associated banks. of Alabama. after this exposure of the conduct of the Clearing House Association and that of Secretary Sherman. "The result was a plan submitted by the banks on the 12th inst. unless it agreed to accept silver on deposits and receive silver certificates as money through which the balances might be settled. at which time Mr. at which were present the Attorney-General and some minor officials. that it could only mean `To fly in the face of Congress and to declare the silver dollar that has been declared a legal tender to be worthless. they shall be cleared at the clearing house in New York. or exercise any privilege therein to any kind whatever. Weston. Sherman]. and agreed to. only one bank representative (Mr. Sherman was a member of the Senate. Senator Morgan. that in respect to all payments by government drafts on the New York banks or on the United States assistant treasurer at New York. been cognizant of the designs of the clearing house banks to refuse silver in payment of balances. that the banks will reject silver deposits. in a debate upon the money question. 1878. at its very next session. to discredit the legal tender silver dollars and silver certificates.This action of the national banks in thus deliberately conspiring to nullify a law of the United States. that silver shall not be allured as clearing house money except 200 for small fractional earns not exceeding $10. During the session of the Fifty-first Congress. Congress.] a committee of these banks [New York Clearing House Association] had a conference at Washington with the Secretary of Treasury [Mr. Colgate objected to the plan. aided by the official power of Secretary Sherman. Secretary of the Monetary Commission of 1886. while Secretary of the Treasury.

with liabilities of $98.478.000. Senator Thurman introduced this bill in the Senate. According to the provisions of the Resumption Act of 1875. directing them to receive United States notes and Treasury notes in payment of duties on imported goods. Nevertheless Secretary Sherman. in the following year of 1879 the list of failures were only 6. This order made the Treasury notes. Congress enacted a law forbidding the further destruction of these legal tenders. and echoed by the senseless clamors 201 of the national banks. which provided for the issue of Treasury notes. greenbacks were redeemable in specie on and after the 1st day of January. thus preserving this currency to that amount. 1862. The object of the Secretary in adopting this policy 202 excited considerable discussion in Congress. and hence on May 31. by a mere executive order.Thus the absurd predictions set forth in the veto message of President Hayes. however. Secretary Sherman issued a circular to the collectors of the various ports throughout the United States. secured its passage through Congress. and continued until the Treasury made a gain in gold aggregating $78.000. and against the combined opposition of the national banks. The act of July ll. and the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to re-issue them for the payment of demands against the United States. but the order was acquiesced in by the people. the year that the Bland-Allison bill became a law. prohibited the Secretary of the Treasury from receiving them for duties on imports. with liabilities of $284. In 1878.this money became so popular with the people that they exchanged gold coin for silver certificates at the Treasury of the United States. 1880. This exchange of gold coin for silver began in November.a remarkable decrease.149. In the meantime.383.000. for the reason that the discrimination so long exerted against the greenback was withdrawn. 1879. prior to January 1. in this respect.000. Prior to this time greenbacks and United States notes were on a parity with gold.658. The
. were answered by the common sense and patriotism of the people of the United States. nullified this part of that act by ordering the collectors of custom duties to receive them. the equal of gold. the number of failures were 10. 18788. 1879.

To Chapter VI To the Table of Contents
.government honored its own currency by receiving it for taxes-the best form of redemption ever adopted by a nation.

is very apparent. as the great majority of common people. and this results in a selfishness from which springs by far the
.
"The wisdom of the Whole nation can see farther than the sages of Westminster Bell. The collective knowledge and penetration of the people at large are more to be depended on than the boasted discernment of all the bar. in the august presence of the highest court of England. The Crown has no lure sufficiently tempting to make them forget themselves and the general good. goes so far as to declare. that they are not the highly favored subjects of special privileges. and aristocratic portion of mankind is not animated and governed as largely by the plain principles of justice.The Coming Battle
203 CHAPTER VI. The celebrated Edmund Burke. privileged. the publisher of the letters of Junius. The reason is clear: Their eyes are not dazzled by the prospects of an opposite interest. and that they are not continually seeking unearned advantages over their fellow men. On the other hand the moving reason why the 204 wealthy.wisdom of the people is the safest guide for a nation. History has affirmed. in that splendid defense of Woodfall. time and again. THE NATIONAL BANKS WAGE WAR UPON THE CREDIT OF THE UNITED STATES. that the collective ." Edmund Burke. The reason why the common people seldom err in their instincts of justice is. as it is an established fact that the possession of great wealth and privileges render its possessors eager for added accumulations. that the sense of justice prevalent among the common people is truer than that entertained by those learned in the law. The profoundest thinkers upon the subject of free government have always maintained that the common people are inspired by nobler sentiments of justice than that select class who arrogate to themselves all virtue and knowledge.

H. and it was transmitted to the Senate. its subsidized press publicly threatened Congress with a visitation of wrath. and it utilized its control of the currency to oppress. was concurred in by the House. This observation is true of the national banking money power. Notwithstanding it received a gift of the most valuable and profitable franchises ever conferred upon organized capital. Stephens. The effect of this measure increased the legal tender power of fractional silver coins from five dollars to ten. the Committee on Coinage. With this latter class the desire of heaping up great wealth develops into a controlling passion in many cases it degenerates into a mania. striking out the word "twenty" and inserting the word "ten" in lieu thereof. It was insatiable. 205 On April 19. The bill thus amended passed the Senate. 1879. which provided that fractional silver coins should be a legal tender for any sum not exceeding tea dollars in any one payment. of Georgia. and Measures. it was continually demanding new concessions at the hands of Congress. by Hon. On the same day the House passed a bill providing for the exchange of trade dollars for legal tender standard silver dollars. increasing the legal tender debt-paying power of fractional silver coin to twenty dollars in any one payment. 1879. On April 16. 4. and became a law June 9. but without avail. A. 1879. and that a strong government should be erected upon the ruins of American liberty. The bill so amended in its third section passed the House on the 22nd day of April. Weights. on May 28th. where. It asserted that the country needed a king. Springer moved an amendment to the third section of the bill. reported House bill No. Mr. The national banks continued their opposition to the coinage of silver.larger part of the unnecessary evils of government. This money power persevered in its vindictive warfare against the people. an amendment offered by the Committee on Finance was adopted. 1879.
.

In the meantime Secretary Sherman was administering the Treasury Department with a view of throwing discredit upon the silver coinage. that no one desired silver as money.
. a. That the complete remonetization of silver. Had this proposed measure been enacted into law. Vest.It was sent to the Senate but that body buried it by a reference to the Finance Committee." On June 30th this resolution was referred to the Committee on Finance on motion of Mr. Allison. if possible. The national banks opposed this bill. On June 27. uniformly referred to the Finance Committee. One singularity which will attract the attention of the reader is. of Missouri. that every measure adopted by the House providing for the restoration of silver. aimed at a largo accumulation of silver dollars in the Treasury. the Finance Committee was composed largely of Eastern Senators. increasing the amount of money at least thirty millions. and he persisted in the policy of refusing to pay out silver dollars. large volume of full legal tender silver dollars would have been added to the circulation. This resolution was never reported from this committee back to the Senate. As it was then constituted. by a vote of 23 yeas to 22 nays. and its 206 free coinage by the mints of the United States are demanded alike by the dictates of justice and wise statesmenship. 1879 Mr. and it would have removed a large mass of non-legal tender trade dollars as a disturbing clement in the silver market. its full restoration as a money metal. in which he requested an appropriation for the construction of additional vaults for the storage of standard silver dollars. on reaching the Senate. and this fact affords an explanation of the wonderful facility with which this committee nullified all efforts of the House for remedial legislation. was. and this condition would supply him with arguments to convince Congress. except where specific demands were made for that money. and hence it was smothered in the republican Senate. This intention was evidenced by a communication to Congress by him. offered the following resolution in the Senate: Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring). from whence it never returned. His object in following out this line of policy.

reduced its circulation to $45. In January and February.615. This salutary provision was repealed by section 4 of the act of June 20.At this period United States bonds were at a very 207 high premium.000 by deposits of legal tender notes. 1877. for the year 1880.000. for the third time. without any notice to the people. again increased it to $450. Sir Gilfillan says: "Under the construction placed upon the lair. at which it now remains. 1863.000. 1877.550 of prior deposits remained in the Treasury. a certain bank reduced its circulation from $308. was a standing menace against the prosperity of the country. 1879. It will be remembered that the original National Ranking Act of February 25. 1877. An example will better illustrate these operations. nine days after completing the deposits for this reduction. 208 1875. banks which have thus reduced their circulation have been permitted to increase it again as often and as largely as they chose. July 22.Between August 14th and September 10. The extent to which this sudden contraction and expansion was practiced by the banks was clearly stated in a report made by Mr. and before that deposit was exhausted. and contract the currency to the extent of the substitution of government legal tenders for the bonds deposited as security by the national banks. United States Treasurer. 1878. to deposit United States notes and treasury notes to secure their circulating bank notes. it again reduced its circulation to $45. whether their legal tender deposits were exhausted or not. although $402. it. Between September 26. On September 19.000. which authorized the national banks at any time. and as a consequence of that provision the power to suddenly contract or expand the volume of circulating notes was withheld from the banks.000. and by the 26th of that month its circulation had again been increased to $450. 1874. and for any reason which they chose to consider sufficient. by which they could contract the volume of currency. This power conferred on the national banks.000 and in August and September. provided for a distribution of circulating bank notes."
. Gilfillan. the balance of its former legal tender deposit then in the Treasury being $112. 1876. it increased its circulation to $450. and armed with this destructive weapon they could.490 to $45. it again began to take out additional circulation. and this fact led to a severe contraction of the currency by the national banks. these banks then withdrew their bonds and sold them for the high premium which they then commanded. prostrate every industry in the country. and May 26.

" This last extract clearly demonstrates that it was in the power of the thousands of national banks to effect a combination. Representatives Garfield. and running from twenty to forty years. A strenuous effort was made to push this bill through the House. and it was amended by that body. and running from ten to forty years. These bills were referred to the appropriate committee. and the rate of interest was reduced to three per cent per annum. During the session of 1879. a large amount of the national debt would fall due. disturb business. or trust. and yet it can be resorted to every-day by every bank in the United States as long as the fourth section of the act of June 20. affects the money market. for the contraction of the 209 volume of currency whenever such policy would be decided upon by them to influence the legislation of Congress. at not less than par. wherc they remained until the latter part of 1880. interest. These bonds bore interest at the rate of 4. providing for the funding of these maturing bonds at three and one-half per cent interest.000. of Ohio. remains unrepealed. and inflict panics whenever it was to the interests of the national banking money power to exhibit their strength over the legitimate business of the people. providing for the exchange of these maturing obligations for bonds bearing four per mat.This report exhibits the dangerous power placed in the hands of the national banks to unsettle values.000. both introduced bills in the House. 4 1/2 and 5 per cent per annum. of New York. mating the bonds redeemable at the option of the government after the expiration of Five years from their date of issue. After the presidential election of that year the committee reported a substitute for the Wood bill. 1874. and no contract or
. merely to gratify a spirit of speculation and gain on the part of the managers of the bank. but it was not successful. and it ought to be peremptorily forbidden in the future. and Wood. The bonds were to be sold by public subscription. Mr. and provision must be made for the payment of bonds aggregating $800. Gilfillan further says: "No one will contend that this was a legitimate and proper method of conducting business under the national banking system. and subjects the government to unnecessary expense. It disturbs values. During 1880 and 1881.

or otherwise. reenacted. until after the expiration of thirty days from the date of the announcement that public subscriptions would be opened for the sale of said bonds." This section was by far the most important part of the funding bill. repealed.thereon. as security for their circulating notes. the banking association depositing the same shall be subject to the liabilities and proceedings on the part of the Comptroller provided for in section 5234 of the Revised Statutes of the United States: And provided further. within thirty days after the interest has ceased. be. That the Secretary of the Treasury shall not have issued all the bonds herein authorized. providing for a redistribution of the national bank currency. 210 The Secretary was authorized to designate banks to receive subscriptions for bonds so offered. was 211 in that part of the bill which made the bonds redeemable. Section g of this Pending Act was as follows: "From and after the 1st day of July. and in case bonds so deposited shall not be withdrawn.awkward of these bonds should be made by the Secretary of the Treasury to any syndicate. 1881. entitled 'An act fixing the amount of United States notes. and the same are hereby. or so many thereof as to make it impossible for him to issue the amount of bonds required: And provided further. and the same is hereby. It required them to substitute the new three per cent bonds. and its provisions aimed to curtail the immense powers of the national banks. as provided by law. authorized by this bill. That no bond upon which interest has ceased shall be accepted or shall be continued on deposit as security for circulation or for the safe-keeping of the public money. 1874. the three per cent bonds authorized by this act shall be the only bonds receivable as security for national bank circulation. and sections 5159 and 5160 of the Revised Statutes of the United States be.
. after the expiration of five years from the date of their issue. and for other purposes. at the option of the government. in lieu of the maturing bonds The feature of this measure which the national banks regarded as the most dangerous to their existence. or as security for the safekeeping and prompt payment of the public money deposited with such banks: Provided. That section 4 of the act of June 20. or bankers.

of the act of June 20. Meanwhile a very good thing has been done.159 and 5. unless the measure was withdrawn. Threats were openly made by these venal scoundrels. 212 The reenactment of these two sections would place the control of the circulating bank notes in the hands of the Comptroller of the Currency. the unlimited power of the banks to contract or expand the currency conferred upon them by section 4. it exposed the traitorous
. and attorneys of the money power who attempted to intimidate Congress and defeat the bill. The bonds being redeemable.160 of the Revised Statutes of the United States. this section would not permit national banks to deposit bonds. 1874. Furthermore. after the expiration of five years. that. to secure their circulating notes. within thirty days after these bonds matured. the Comptroller of the Currency was authorized to call in the circulation of those banks refusing to obey this provision.This would place the power in the hands of the government to discipline the national banks whenever these corporations would refuse to obey the lairs.234. or conspire against the interests of the people. the national banking money power would punish the country by indicting a monetary panic upon it. The New York Tribune. It said: "The time is near when they (the banks) will feel compelled to act strongly. at the option of the government. the latter could at any period after the lapse of the minimum time. Neither would it allow them to continue bonds on deposit upon which interest had ceased. of the Revised Statutes of the United States. upon which interest had ceased. and hinted at its possible exercise. by continuing on deposit bonds that were past due. and wind up their affairs according to the provisions of section 5. call in those bonds deposited by the national banks to secure their circulation. was taken away by the pro re-enactment of sections 5." In its zeal to serve the purpose of the financial corporations of the East. When this three per cent funding bill was before the House. in any emergency. the leading organ of this money power. Were it otherwise. and upon which interest had ceased. the financial corporations of the East can act together on a single day's notice with such power that no act of Congress can overcome or resist their decision. Furthermore. and thus eventually rid the country of this gigantic money power. the greatest pressure was brought to bear upon that body by the combined efforts of the national banks to secure the defeat of the measure. thus described the vast power of the banks of the East. lobbyists. The machinery is now furnished by which. the national banks could perpetuate their existence against the will of the government. In case of failure on the part of the banks to withdraw their bonds which were due. The halls of Congress swarmed with the agents.

the extent to which faith prevails in money circles in New York that we ought to have a king. to deposit lawful money with the Treasurer. and for any reason which they may choose to consider sufficient. while the Canadian banks forwarded $8. John G. In the short period of thirteen days. yea. Carlisle.000. Hon. and fifteen per cent in a fear moments.sentiments of the financial magnates of New York City. The situation in Net York City became so acute. ten. he said: "But. 1881. startling. it is not going too far to say that until this feature is wholly eliminated or 214 materially modified there can be no assurance of safety to any legitimate investment or business
. and thereby increasing the volume of money by many millions. in their efforts to coerce Congress into submission. sir. This course of the banks led to severe denunciation of their policy in Congress In a speech in the House on the 1st of March. This concerted action of the New York banks produced such a flurry in the money market. strongly arraigned the New York banks as the bitterest enemies of the government and the people. contract the currency to that extent and withdraw their bonds. It said: "It is astonishing.340 and conspired to precipitate a panic upon the country." The banks of the East. Speaker. the banks of New York City surrendered their circulating notes to the extent of $18.722. at once commenced a rapid 213 contraction of the currency during the time the bill was under consideration by the House. that the Secretary of the Treasury relieved the condition of the people by purchasing a large amount of bonds. with its accompaniments of bankruptcy. by far the most dangerous feature yet introduced into the national banking system is contained in that part of the fourth section of the act of June 20.000 to be thrown on the money market. financial ruin. 1874. and suffering. and interest at the rate of 472 per cent per annum was exacted for the use of money by these infamous conspirators against the human race. which authorizes the banks at any time. that prices fell five. and. Mr.

and as his statement on this subject cannot be con215 densed without impairing its force. first began to pervert this section of the statute from its original purpose and abuse the power which it conferred upon them by depositing lawful money and withdrawing their bonds from time to time. describes this process by reference to actual transactions in his office. A plausible pretext can always be found or invented for the exercise of such a power as this. bc withdrawn from circulation and held at the Department to redeem the bank notes as they might come in. without a moment's notice or a shadow of provocation. Armed with this destructive weapon the banks may at any time. These notes would be left outstanding for the time being. for a special and temporary purpose. in notes. involving every interest in the country and embarrassing the operations of the Government itself. If they do not like proposed-legislation in Congress or elsewhere. the equalization of the national bank circulation. as I have said. in order to speculate upon them in the market They thus withdrew large amounts of their circulation and contracted the currency. State and Federal. if they want additional privileges conferred upon them in respect to any matter connected with their business. The power was conferred in the first instance. not because the reduced demands of business made the outstanding volume of circulation unnecessary or unprofitable. 1875. Mr. in short. and it should have been instantly repealed. and powerful influences can always be brought to justify and sustain it. strike down every industry and every commercial enterprise of the people. or some of them at least. but simply because they wanted to realize the high premiums on their bonds and speculate in the securities upon which the Government had already delivered to them go per cent. "The banks. the arbitrary and unjustifiable proceedings of the last week ought to dispel it forever. It is a standing menace against the prosperity of the country. but when the Resumption Act of January 14. which removed all restrictions as to the amount of such currency and made the system entirely free. if they conclude that they ought to be exempt from all taxation. of course. made by Treasurer Gilfillan. if they are opposed to the success of a particular political party. whenever they may think it will promote their special interests to do so. The Treasurer. if their opinions and interests are not consulted in all cases whatsoever. there was no longer any necessity for this clause. was passed. If there was ever a doubt as to e dangerous character of the power which this part of the law gives to the banks over the business and property of the people." After quoting from the report of 1880.
. in his last annual report. Carlisle continued: "Under this section the banks have it in their power to contract the currency and produce financial distress. I give it in his own words.enterprise in this country. but an equal amount of Treasury notes would. they can resort at once to this tremendous power over the fortunes of the people and thus bring the timid to terms and ruin all who refuse to accede to their demands.

000 per month."The two Houses of Congress. Why.000. and the people 217
.000 of circulation withdrawn in less than half a month. for there can be no such prosperity anywhere. not by the Government. "This experience warns us that we cannot safely permit this great power to remain in the hands of these institutions unchecked by legal restrictions. nor will prudent and experienced business men embark in large and expensive enterprises when the power to make such contractions is hold by private and interested parties who acknowledge no restraints except public sentiment and their own views of the public welfare. The prompt action of the Secretary of the Treasury in purchasing a large amount of bonds at the city of Net York. on the 1st day of November last.000 gold coin in the country the Government and the banks held. and under which it may at any time be repeated. in the midst of sudden and enormous contractions of the currency.000.000.within thirteen days .016. It is an engine of destruction standing in the very narrowest part of the way to permanent industrial and commercial prosperity in this country. when it was prohibited by 1aw. and the course of the Canadian banks in throwing seven or eight million dollars of their loanable capital on the market. while under the policy of the Government nearly $150. $254.000 in gold and silver coin are permanently withheld from circulation and hoarded in the Treasury. and forewith . have. and still gentlemen here insist that the power under which this has been done. the whole contraction of legal tender Treasury notes under the provisions of the Resumption Act. 216 "When Secretary McCulloch. after mature deliberation.000. sir. from January 14.000. Of the $454.722. 1875. in pursuance of his contraction policy.681. passed a bill which the banks have chosen to consider obnoxious to them. bat now we have seen nearly $19. shall not be taken away.000. "By law the volume of legal tender notes is limited to $345. it produced such consternation in business circles that Congress was forced to intervene at once and arrest the process by the passage of a joint resolution. representing the aggregate interests of fifty millions of people. but by institutions in the management of which the Government has no voice. alone prevented a catastrophe from the effects of which we might not have entirely recovered for many years.they have contracted the currency to the extent of $18.000.340 and precipitated a crisis which would have been disastrous to the country had it not been met by measures which they had no power to prevent.984 not twice as much in more than three years as the bank contraction had been in less than two weeks. several years since. to May 31. was only $34.318. 1878. began to retire and cancel legal tender notes at the rate of $4.

"It is rule or ruin with the national banks." The dangerous powers conferred upon the national banks were so clearly pointed out by Mr. When Congress gets down on its honorable knees to the national banks everything will be lovely. and to manipulate the money market in order to depress the stock market. It is not the first time that they have acted in this way against the public credit. "Some of the national banks of this city have played a very contemptible part in the flurry of yesterday and to-day. and so it appears that by statute or public policy every form of currency which the people can use in the transaction of their business is restricted.". In the meantime. Carlisle in his magnificent speech that the bill passed the House by a decisive vote. We will quote a few extracts: "It is a question whether a clique of banters is to dictate to Congress and the country what is for the best interest of the country. except national bank notes. the coinage of silver is limited by statute to $4. The circulation of State banks is taxed out of existence.000. the national banks have entered into a conspiracy to wreck the business of the country rather than submit to what they consider 218 unfavorable legislation. Fattening on the Treasury for years. They alone are perfectly free from all restrictions. "What a fatal policy it is." .000.000 per month. legal or otherwise. and upon them the people are compelled to rely under existing circumstances for the additional facilities of exchange necessary to enable them to carry on their growing industries and conduct their rapidly increasing commercial enterprises. from the outbreak of the civil war in 1861 down to the present time.Chicago News.New York Advertiser.000.only $200. in view of these considerations. The people will remember this against them. to retain on the statute book as part of our currency system a 1am which subjects all these great interests to the arbitrary will or mistaken judgment of two thousand corporations. which we do not care to name at present.New York Commercial. but which will be understood by most Wall street people. In one instance. and the day of reckoning is not as far off as they imagine. the want of loyalty to the public credit has shown itself on all occasions." .
. the policy of the banks in making war upon the public credit received criticism from many journals which were friendly to the national bank system.

lock op an equal amount of gold and legal tenders and leave the street utterly without means of doing business. If Congress or the President is led to believe that disaster has been and can be averted by any action of the Treasury Department. Such terrible power no set of men should for one instant possess. The New York Tribune uttered the following implied threats against Congress should the bill pass. "A few of these banks have not hesitated to invite the destruction of the whole system and provoke popular anger by pursuing a course which must inevitably force on American citizens the question whether legislative and executive officers chosen to represent the people or a few bank officers are to administer the financial destinies of this country. Let the situation be fully understood."It is understood that there is to be an amendment offered in the House to the bill providing for the issue of greenbacks to take the place of bank circulation that may be withdrawn. But we have no doubt at the same time that when
. what is worse. It said: "The country knows that it has escaped a great disaster. or. the consequences of that 219 error may be incalulably disastrous. "The trade and general business of the country has been subjected to a strain during the past week more severe than any which has been put on them since 1873. This deplorable state of affairs was brought about by the selfish conspiracy of a certain number of national banks bent on opposing the national will in the matter of establishing a lower national rate of interest by such duly chosen representatives of the people of the United States as they have thought proper to adopt." The toryism of the Tribune always shone forth conspicuously when it defended the lawless banks of New York City. Our Government and people who maintain it have submitted to great sacrifices to afford all reasonable support to national banks But the banks have not kept within the reasonable limits of their demand for compensation for such financial services as they have been able to render the country. It is not probable the natural resentment of the legislature against the attempted conspiracy will extend to the condemnation of the whole national system. as substantial people come to realize how terrible a revulsion the enactment of the Carlisle section would have caused. But it is not well to forget that the danger has been escaped only upon condition that the fatal section is defeated. Everywhere there is a feeling of intense relief and thankfulness. If this sensible precaution is taken it will instantly restore confidence and take permanently away from the banks this fearful power to withdraw in one day all their bills from circulation."New York Graphic. so that the pending bill can now be passed without causing a great calamity.

the indignation has cooled off." . bc only too glad to seize upon it. On March 1. as it passed both Houses of Congress.New York Sun. and as to any possibility of the mischief they may do. to withdraw their circulation unless certain provisions in the bill are stricken out. In the present case they are evidently in blissful ignorance of the general hostility of the people of the West and Southwest to the national bank system and the slender thread of toleration on which it hangs. 1875. The truth is. those conspirators against the prosperity and credit of the Republic will be subjected to such temperate and wholesome discipline as shall be a warning to them and their kind for years to come. as some foolish men here say they will do. but when it comes to threatening that. clothed the national banks with the power of unlimited and
. If the officers of the banks should attempt. who are trying to prevent the Senate Funding Bill from 220 becoming a law. Absorbed in the business of buying and selling stocks and lending money. editorially spoke as follows: 221 "The funding bill. The average Congressman has no such fear of banks and bankers as to make him alter his vote to avoid their displeasure. was. they only consider what immediately effects today's markets. It needs only a good pretext to secure the sweeping of the whole thing out of existence. "It is a dangerous thing for the tail to attempt to wag the dog. 1881. without a foresight of the future or regard for what is going on elsewhere. which opposed the pretensions of the national banks. and the substitution for it of any exclusive national currency." . it would be very easy to supply the deficiency with an additional issue of greenbacks. they will wreck the trade of the entire country. rather make a mistake. unless it is modified to meet their viewers.New York World. and if they try by underhand means to thwart the negotiation of the new bonds because the rate of interest is not high enough to please them. they go a step too far." "The act of January. in the language of a Washington dispatch. 'The most serious blow the national banks ever received from Congress since the organization of the national banking system. the Chicago Express. and Washington will. That pretext all the Wall street banters seem bent on furnishing. Undoubtedly they have a right to express their opinions about the bill. "It strikes as that the gentlemen in Wall street. they can be deprived of the privilege of issuing circulation altogether. we fear. he will soon find a may to prevent it. that in matters of national interest there is no set of le as stupid as the Wall street financiers. for if the dog gets angry he can switch the tail about in a very unpleasant may for the tail.

1881." The funding bill passed Congress. in case he did not intense his prerogative to save.unrestricted contraction and expansion of the currency. "The provisions of the new funding bill materially interfere with their nicely-planned scheme. and it is with the producers that the prosperity of the country rests. Itgave them power to inflate the currency when they could make money through the inflation of prices. who was one of the three republican Senators that voted for the bill. They were armed with authority from the national banks represented by the American Bankers' Association to inform his Excellency that in case he withheld his veto they would immediately retire their circulation." 222 Senator Plumb. Let the bottom fall out of it if it will. "Without waiting even for the concurrence of the House in the slight Senate amendments. in which case a money stringency would follow which could be terribly disastrous to every business interest producing the most ruinous financial crash which ever befell the country. and it is no business of any set of men. depressed prices and general business stagnation and bankruptcy. and when their interests could be better served by panic. It gave them absolute control over the volume of money. I tell you the crisis has come when we shall see whether the banks run the Government or the Government the banks. and consequently over the market value of labor and all kinds of property. It puts a limit to their privileges. and was presented to President Hayes. and bounds to their unwarranted powers. on March 3. I think the Government has a right to fix the rate of interest it will pay. so I can speak without prejudice. a large and powerful bank lobby from Wall street and the clearing house association at once bore down upon the White House armed with magazines. stated his opinion as follows: "I am a national bank president. accompanied by a message stating his objections to the measure. who. which was the result of the matured labor of Congress. The President says: -
. and deprive them of nearly all their power over sudden contractions and inflation. which they threatened would surely explode in the very heart of the nation's business and industries from spontaneous ignition. or railroad stoics stop rising. Gatling guns and infernal machines of dire calamities. they had power to accomplish their end through the contraction of their circulating notes. It would make a difference if the hoes in western cornfields should stop. The following extracts from the message will give the reader a correct opinion of the influence that forced the President to veto this measure. It makes no difference to the people if Wall street gamblers do lose money. It is an artificial movement to coerce the Government. returned the bill to the House of Representatives with his veto.

and vetoed this beneficial measure at the insolent command of an organized clique. Thus the timid Hayes quaked before this august banking monopoly." Further on in his veto message. in his discretion. "This system has now been in operation almost 223 twenty years. I cannot but regard the fifth section of the bill as a step in the direction of the destruction of the national banking system. to offer to-the public bonds bearing 3 1/2 per cent interest in aid of refunding. and there would be no inducement for the organization of additional ones. in my judgment. He says: . in a few cities or localities where the prevailing rates of interest in ordinary business are extremely low. Its notes are secured by the deposit with the government of the interest-bearing bonds of the United States. No safer or more beneficial banking system was ever established. on the grounds that it jeopardized the existence of the national banks. whose greed was not even satiated with 472 per cent usury. this bill would have resulted in a saving to the Government of many millions per annum by a reduction of the rate of interest. who threatened Congress."Under this section it is obvious that no additional banks will hereafter be organized. It will subsequently appear that these bankers who threw the country into a state of panic. President Hayes makes vigorous objections to section g of the act."While in my opinion it would be wise to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury. I should not deem it my duty to interpose my constitutional objection to the passage of the present bill if it did not contain in the fifth section provisions which. and tend to the destruction of the present national banking system of the country. Furthermore." Again he says: ." The extreme solicitude manifested by the President for the national banks is apparent. who forced the weak Hayes to veto this 224
."In short. possibly. seriously impair the value. except. Its advantages as a business is free to all who have the necessary capital It furnishes a currency to the people which for convenience and the security of the bill holder has probably never been equaled by that or any other banking system.

Third. during his public career. in a few years from this period. mill.bill. First.In gold. who was so anxious to mate United States notes and silver coin redeemable in gold. by the United States. in view of the resumption act of 1875. as a legal tender. the latter redeemable in gold.
. he makes the following recommendation with reference to the silver dollar. Secretary Sherman again inflicted one of his usual recommendations on Congress. With this limited legal tender silver coin he would redeem and retire the United States legal tender notes. once intimated that national banks should redeem their circulating notes in gold. Second. will. This policy of the Secretary aimed at the complete withdrawal and cancellation of $346. asking for the passage of a law to prohibit the further coinage of silver. in pursuance of the general policy of the act of 1853. who wanted a king. will illustrate the enmity of Secretary Sherman toward the use of silver as a standard money. This scheme of contraction would be followed by continual issues of bonds to secure gold for a redemption fund for this silver. whether dollars or otherwise. coined from bullion purchased in the open market." An analysis of this recommendation. assume the championship of the public faith! In the meantime.the public credit! These conspirators.000of legal 225 tenders. that powerful ally of the money power. to the amount of five dollars. never. the Secretary of the Treasury. constitute themselves the special guardians of that most sacred object . And that would be the sole redemption money. In 1880. In one of his reports to Congress. in exchange for United States notes. who prevented a reduction in the interest on the public debt. was throwing the weight of his official influence against the silver dollar.000. he says: "The Secretary believes that all the beneficial results hoped for m a liberal issue of silver coin by issuing this coin. He would limit all silver coins. It will be noticed that this man. He would redeem said silver coin in what? . in the near future. by a redemption in silver coin.

. An examination of his reasons. The amount needed for these purposes is already in excess of the probable demand. At the very time that Secretary Sherman urged this objection against the silver dollar. 226 In the first place. and the purchase of provisions. "Second. such as the payment of wages to labor. if any. or exported. This money that paid the wages of labor was worth one hundred cents on the dollar. furnishes the strongest argument against his position. The gold gamblers and bullion brokers of Wall street found it difficult to obtain control of those coins whose largest denominations were one dollar pieces. of its she and weight was obviated by the issuance of silver certificates in denominations of from ten to one thousand dollars. until it returns to the Treasury. and its purpose is confined mainly for payments for manual labor." The phrase "compulsory coinage" clearly indicates the hostility of the Secretary toward silver. as the least valuable money in use. This is one of the strongest reasons that could be advanced for the continued coinage of the silver dollar. but it docs prevent its being held or hoarded as reserves. It is too bulky for large transactions. He says that it was the money of small transactions. It is known to contain a quantity of silver of less market value than the gold in gold coin.We quote his exact language in which he avers: "First. urging the suspension of the coinage of the silver dollar. and pushes it into active circulation. and for market purposes for change. therefore this fact places them beyond the control of the national banking money power. the silver dollars are too heavy for 1arge transactions. "For these reasons the Secretary respectfully but earnestly recommends that the further compulsory coinage of the silver dollar be suspended. the inconvenience. "This fact would not impair the circulation of such limited amount as experience shows to be convenient for use.

" This constitutes no crime on the part of silver. David Hume." Just why Secretary Sherman desired a coin that can be readily exported to some foreign country. but as a legal tender.Again. money locked up in chests is as if it were annihilated. but that it was in active circulation. in speaking of the effects of hoarding money. said: "As regards prices. It performs its true functions when it passes from hand to hand in exchange for the commodities and necessaries of life. One hundred and fifty years ago the celebrated historian and philosopher." He says. at the nod and beck of the stock gamblers. or exported. These weak and puerile reasons of Secretary Sherman against the continued coinage of silver dollars had no effect upon Congress. All money is coined or issued to subserve the purposes of man by being thrown into active circulation as a medium of exchange. bullion brokers and panic breeders of the New York clearing house and London. he says that it was of less market value than the gold in the gold dollar. shows that it could not be readily shipped and re-shipped across the Atlantic. or hoarded. "It is in active circulation. a medium of exchange. is not stated by him in his report and recommendations to Congress. and his slavish devotion to the traitorous money
. his petty slanders against the standard dollar. This is the first time that an American Secretary of the Treasury advocated a theory as absurd as the one urgent by Mr. The principle upon which a true monetary system is based is that of circulation. This is true of it as a mere commodity. 227 Mints are not established to coin money for the purpose of hoarding it up in the vaults of banks. The objections urged against silver because of non-export of that coin. "It is not exported. But the true animus of the Secretary against the silver dollar sprung from the fact that it was not held. The Secretary said. Sherman. The childish spite exhibited by Secretary Sherman against silver. it was the equal of gold anywhere on the face of the earth. They were contemptuously ignored by that body.

1880.After serving in the lower House until the outbreak of the war. After a brief. in which he earned but meager fame and fortune. disgusted many of the best men of the party to which he belonged. he turned his attention to the profession of the 1aw. and he has left his impress upon the
. the most important and influential position that can be conferred upon a member of the Senate. but a fatal one addressed to the producing and industrial classes of the country. During the fore part of his career in that body. he served as Chairman of the Committee on Finance. and has by word and letter and act done all in his power to discourage the use of silver in the United States. he made the Treasury Department a member of the New York Clearing House. or rather briefless experience as a lawyer. from which silver is excluded.228 power. He is the author of the present system of national banks. Sherman has done everything to disparage silver. At this time he was a compar229 atively poor man. he refused to exercise the Government's option to pay out silver in any considerable amounts. and. he has limited the coinage to the minimum. It was a high bid for the support of Wall street.000of the greenback currency of the country its legal tender character. on March 30. When a young man." The Tribune denounced his truckling policy on the financial question in the following language:"At the opening of the present Congress he made the extraordinary recommendation that Congress strike from $350.000 which mould produce ruin to every industrial interest and every legitimate enterprise.000. he determined to enter public life and was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress in 1854. It said: "Since the passage of the silver law Mr." In the same editorial the Tribune says: "It is highly improbable that Mr. the Chicago Tribune administered a stinging rebuke to his policy. he was elected to the United States Senate.000. he has restricted the issue of silver certificates. Sherman would receive an electoral vote from any State between the Alleghany and Rocky Mountains upon the issues of abolition of silver money and demonetization of greenbacks which would involve a contraction of the own and paper legal tender currency exceeding $400." The public career of John Sherman is the most remarkable in the annals of the nation.

it held Government funds amounting to $69. the undivided profits. 1878. in the short space of ten months.000 on the 31st day of December.759. 1879. the special protege of Secretary Sherman. by which it was alleged the people had been saved a vast sum in interest.109. 1878.670. bet that it was very large admits of no doubt. this pet bank of the Secretary was the custodian of Government funds amounting to $24. they were $3. It was from these deposits of Government funds that the bank accumulated those enormous undivided profits.927.60. On the accession of Hayes to the Presidency. during his incumbency. on December 12. notwithstanding the singular fact that. of the same year.018.on June 14th. which reduced the rate of interest upon the national debt. they were $267.04. has never been ascertained or disclosed.071.26. 1878. situated on Broadway.43.
. these profits reached the sum of $804. after the payment of dividends. On January 1. were $142. on October ad. Why this comparatively small bank should be made the depository of Government funds to two hundred and fifty-six times its capital has never been explained by Secretary Sherman.various financial measures of the Government from 1861 to 1875. Here is a single national bank. The amount of dividends paid by this bank to its stockholders. he selected various national banks as depositories for the money received from the sale of bonds.50. on October 2d.000 per annum.88. during this time. after the lapse of two months. During these funding operations. he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury at a salary of $8. During his term of office at the head of that great department. on April 4th of the same year the undivided profits were $339.948. As Secretary of the Treasury he executed those great funding operations.-511. on June 14th. on January 1.601. It had a capital of $500. On April 4th.84. those deposits were increased to $128.095.700. its total capital was $500.704. that. One of these banks was known as the First National.000 and occupied offices that were humble compared with the palatial 230 quarters of the great financial institutions of that city. According to the sworn statement of the officials of this bank. he was a firm friend of the national banking money power which continually waged a war of extermination upon the currency of the United States. the national banks persuaded President Hayes to veto the funding bill. the undivided profits were $679. in New York City.550. accumulated undivided profits which exceeded its capital stock by more than three hundred thousand dollars.

and we would contribute largely to any campaign fund desired by the Secretary. and he sold his stock in the bank. and said: "If these bonds were to fall in value one per cent it would wipe out three fifths of our capital. it would absorb more than the entire capital of the bank. looking over these statements. 1880. the sub-treasury of the United States was situated in the same sty as this pet bank. withdrew from its directory and organized the Chase National. of Kentucky. 'I want to go into partnership with you. and the amounts of public money deposited therein. Senator Beck. in that case. a large stockholder. would not be compelled to pay for the bonds. and 231 could have been utilized as a depository for this money.' and the Senator should say to me. Thompson was astounded at this information.'I propose to bring you the good will and the deposits of the Secretary. Mr. called the attention of the Senate to these astonishing facts. are taken from the report of the Comptroller of the Currency for the year 1880. He was informed that this bank with a capital of only $500. On January 1. It will be seen that this bestowal of official favor upon this bank was worth the immense sum of twenty-one thousand dollars per day. Thompson protested against the assumption of such a risk.' I think the Senator would take me into partnership.'None." Mr.000 had subscribed as a purchaser of four per cent bonds to an amount exceeding thirty millions of dollars. Mr. the custodian of these fabulous sums of public money.
. was its vice-president. and he would make more money by doing it than he ever made in his life." At the time when this bank was made. When acquainted with this fact.At this time. because of an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury that the bank. and in the course of his speech said: "I came to the conclusion. `What capital have you got?' . John Thompson. The figures with reference to the amount of undivided profits of the bank.' 'What do you propose to do?'. that the best banking capital a man can have is the good will of the Secretary of the Treasury. Suppose the Senator from New York were the best banker and I were to go to him and say. If they 232 should fall two per cent. Thompson was assured by its president that there was no danger incurred.

his residence in Washington was a palace whose sumptuousness rivaled that of the crowned heads of Europe. Yet this man is revered by the national banking money power and its satellites as the ablest American financier of the age. Sherman as Representative in Congress. Three days afterward. while he was at the head of the Treasury. he was not engaged in any other business With the exception of the four years that ho was Secretary of the Treasury.at which time he was a poor man . His accumulation of millions evinces a degree of thrift that is wonderful. his official yearly income never exceeded five thousand dollars. Sherman details the immense sacrifices he had made for the public during the forty years that he was its servant. Manning in the strongest language. whose touch turned everything to gold.
. and that his officia1 income never equaled his expenditures. In the month of January. In a letter to one of his political friends in the State of Ohio. During the entire public career of Mr. To illustrate the facility with which he can change his position on public questions. Secretary Sherman had. The miraculous process by which a high official of the Government can expend twice the amount of his salary for ordinary expenses during the early part of his political career . as United States Senator. has long been a mystery. he withdrew said resolution. deposited more than four times that sum in a single bank. Since 1861. for the solution of which Mr. Mr. At that time Mr. he has been on every side of nearly every political and financial question that has agitated the country. Yet. He out-jingoed the Jingoes. we refer to his late action on the policy of the United States toward the recognition of Cuban Independence. and as Secretary of the Treasury. he was one of the most extensive owners of real estate at the capital. He stated that his living expenses annually averaged ten thousand dollars during that time. the Treasury Department deposited sixty-three million dollars with the various national banks of New York City. and the facts in the career of Senator Sherman surpass the fabulous story of King Midas. 233 At the time of the writing of that letter.and yet accumulate a magnificent fortune out of the surplus. with the lame explanation that its adoption would be inexpedient at that time. he introduced a fiery resolution in the Senate demanding the speedy recognition of Cuban belligerency. 1897. Sherman was in the Senate and denounced the act of Mr. He is a very large holder of stocks in national banks and railroad corporations. Sherman has volunteered no explanation. In addition. during which he received eight thousand dollars per annum.During the administration of Secretary Manning.

It will be asked.-000. An examination of the directories of these great banks exhibits the startling fact.. whether it is an absolute.234 The profits of the national banking system up to and including the year 1880 were immense.
. 235 It is a recognized principle of finance. it is true that there are some exceptions to this general rule. Treasurer Gilfillan stated that the national banks since the 20th of June. Having control of almost unlimited amounts of money. bonds. Thus they are empowered to correct the fortunes of the smaller operators. The power of the national banks to suddenly contract the circulating medium of the country. directors. The entire property of the nation. but they arise from unusual and unforeseen circumstances. had surrendered their circulation in a sum exceeding $85. up to the time of his rcport of 1880. both real and personal.000.325. In his report of 1880. and other securities when they are buyers on the market. who control the volume of money of a nation are its masters. why should these financial institutions so often seek to bring on stringencies in the money market? The reason is clear to those who understand what class of men are at the head of the powerful national banks of New York City and other speculative centers.000-thew hole aggregating $642. or a constitutional monarchy.000. and that this enormous profit was earned upon an average capital of $500.825. In a report of the Comptroller of the Currency for 1881.325.000. this official states that the net earnings of the national banks for the preceding twenty years were $512. or a republic. that the volume of money afloat in a country fixes the general level of prices of commodities. The men. or combination of men. that the executive officers. and the tyrannical manner in which they have exercised that privilege in the past. 1874. has awakened the gravest apprehension of the thinking men of the nation. is at the absolute mercy of these national bank money kings. including the princely salaries paid to the executive officers of the respective banks.825. they are enabled to depress the value of stocks.a net profit of over twelve per cent annually above all expenses. by depositing legal tender notes for the redemption of their circulating notes. besides a surplus of $130. and heavy stockholders of these institutions are the largest operators on the Stock Exchange.000. and can enhance the value of stocks held by them when desirous of selling.

the national banks possessed additional means of creating a sudden scarcity of money. and this action would be followed by a crisis as surely as night followers the day. All that w as necessary to bring on a monetary panic was a concerted plan on the part of these banks to call in their loans. Besides the circulating notes which these banks were authorized to loan as money.
To Chapter VII To the Table of Contents
.In addition to this contraction spoken of by the Treasurer in this report. they controlled deposits of more than a billion dollars. Therefore the loanable funds of these banks could be transformed into a most deadly weapon against the legitimate enterprise of the nation.

and in favor of compromise and gradual reform in our code of laws and system of political economy. In the presidential campaign of 1880. strangulation. to review our principles. the two great political parties arrayed themselves against each other in this contest with the utmost zeal. acting as a drag upon production. against any prostitution of our Government to the advancement of a few at the expense of the many." . "Many of our rich men have not been content with equal protection and equal benefits. to revive that devoted patriotism and spirit of compromise that distinguished the sages of the Revolution and the fathers of our union. The National Republican Convention met in Chicago 237 The battle cry of the Republican party in this notable contest was "A solid South against a solid North. are words hardly too strong to express the agony of the industrial body when embraced in the fatal coils of a contracting money. If we cannot at once. but have besought as to make them richer by act of Congress." . in the results of our legislation. in justice to interests invested under improvident legislation. By attempting to gratify their desires we have. and. arrayed section against section."
. interest against interest. and suffocation.
"The abandonment of silver will result in the enhancement of the burden of all debts and fixed charges.Andrew Jackson. and man against man in a fearful commotion which threatens to shake the very foundation of our union. Walker. "It is time to pause in our career. NATIONAL BANKS SECURE A CONTINUATION OF THEIR EXISTENCE. make our Government what it ought to be. if possible.The Coming Battle
236 CHAPTER VII.Francis A. we can at least take a stand against all new grants of monopolies and exclusive privileges.

William Windom. and there was no obstacle in their way to hinder or obstruct the execution of their policy. 239 nevertheless. should be refunded at three and one-half per cent. aimed to control the election and consequently the financial policy of the Government.The money power joined in the senseless hue and cry. The usurpation of legislative power by the Secretary of the Treasury was tolerated for the reason that it saved the Government a large amount of interest. This apparent sacrifice of millions of interest annually was a rare stroke of policy on the money power. sharply criticized Mr. The action of the bond-holders in voluntarily accepting a lower rate of interest than their contracts called for excited a great deal of comment at the time. of Minnesota. The shrewd men at the head of the national banking system were thoroughly acquainted with those traits of character which distinguished who American people from all others of
. and the lavish use of money. at its next session. The supporters of the national banking money power never wearied of pointing at this sacrifice by the national creditors as a remarkable example of patriotism. Windom for this exercise of arbitrary power. and by playing upon the smouldering prejudices of the people growing out of the late war. the Republican candidates were successful. Secretary Windom and the bondholders mutually agreed that the bonds bearing five and six per cent interest then maturing. was selected by President Garfield for the post of Secretary of the Treasury. which grew out of the gubernatorial election of 1879. After the adjournment of Congress in the early part of 1881. payable at the option of the Government. and which were not healed. and by seeking to reopen the festering wounds of sectional hate. After the 4th of March. Congress. This action of Secretary Windom had no authority in any law then existing. and was an unwarranted assumption of the constitutional power of Congress by an executive officer. and asserted that the bondholders and national banks were not as dangerous to the liberties of the people as their opponents declared them to be. Owing to the dissensions of the New York State democracy. 1881 the Republicans had full control of the Government.

They knew that we. by which the circulating notes of national banks could not be surrendered to an amount exceeding $3. and the time seemed propitious for this money poorer to carry into execution the next step of its policy . as a people. loot to the events of today and do not worry with apprehensions for the future. During the debate upon this resolution it was shown by the opponents of the national banking system that the New York Clearing House Association had conspired against the constitutional power of Congress. that this association of national banks held themselves superior to the law. notably those of Representatives Carlisle and Culberson. introduced a joint resolution authorizing national banking associations to extend their corporate existence for the period of twenty years. Therefore.000 per month. in 1882.the charters of the national banks would expire in 1884. So powerful was the opposition against an extension of the national banking system that the Democratic minority succeeded in engrafting a section upon the resolution. the tendency of which was to make the people forgetful of the wrongs heaped upon them in the past by the present banking system. of Massachusetts. Moreover.000. It was further shown that the poorer of the national banks was so great that they had the means
. Mr. by refusing to accept silver dollars and silver certificates. Hence. The speeches made against its passage were very able. a practice to which they had resorted many times in the past twenty years. during the time that the fears of the people were temporarily allayed by the voluntary 240 acts of the bond-holders and banking interests in accepting a lower rate of interest on their bonds. This curtailed the power of the banks to suddenly contract the volume of currency. and arrayed themselves in solid phalanx against the financial interests of the people.modern times. at the next session of Congress. the national banking money power seized this golden opportunity to secure an extension of their system. Crapo.which was to obtain the passage of a law through Congress extending the franchises of the national banks. by surrendering up for cancellation large amounts of their circulating notes. the country had entered upon a career of prosperity. According to the provisions of the national banking law of 1863.

an issue so full of danger to constitutional liberty that it ought to be faithfully remembered now that they are asking a new and indefinite lease of power. "It is now twenty years ago that this Government first engaged in building up. Senator Voorhees eloquently and truthfully depicted the vast bounties that had been bestowed upon these creatures of the Government. and that every panic. but it is sufficient to prove the truth of what I say. By an additional amendment to the resolution it was made compulsory on the part of the clearing house associations to accept silver certificates in settlement of balances. Again. As amended. the resolution passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate. as courts of original jurisdiction. which heretofore was one of their most tyrannical means of harassing individuals. Daring the Senate debate on the joint resolution to renew the charters of the national banks. the privilege of the national banks to institute suits at law in the Federal courts. 241 from which the country suffered since the close of the war. and this means of dragging litigants hundreds of miles from their homes at immense sacrifice of time and money. On June 19th. was denied to these corporations. Therefore it will be seen that the sturdy opposition of the Democratic minority in the House had succeeded in extracting a few of the sharpest fangs of the greedy national banking money poorer. Ho pointed out the overshadowing influence of the national banking power. "In the closing days of the last Congress and of the last Administration the banks precipitated an issue upon the people which ought not to be forgotten on an 242 occasion like this. was originated by these banks. and encouraging the present vast and overshadowing system of national banking.
. fostering.to unsettle business throughout the country. 1882. was taken array. he said: "A brief glance at the conduct of the banks during the last year and a half is all that I can indulge in at this time.

its honor. They have demand the violation of legislative contracts with the people. The people have been betrayed into the clutches of a financial despotism which scorns responsibility and defies lawful restraint. no privilege denied. in which it refused to concur. Congress has heretofore on nearly all occasions abdicated its powers under the Constitution over the finances of the banks. it was returned to the House. deeming themselves impregnable. during which many amendments were added to the resolution." At the present time the government is a submissive instrument in the hands of this money power. until now they constitute the most powerful moneyed corporations on the face of the globe. which is not wholly depending on the pleasure of the banks. and it has been conceded. thus leaving the poor to pay the taxes of the rich. go to war in defense of its flag. The House agreed to the amended bill with the exceptions of a few of the Senate amendments. except when called upon to legislate in their favor. they bully and defy the Government." He continued as follows: "Sir. either in peace or in mar. In fact. to-morrow. They have been fortified in their strongholds of moneyed caste and privilege by double lines of unjust laws. whereby their own gains and the people's burdens have been increased a thousand fold beyond right and justice. and the demand has been granted. or its existence without first asking permission to do so of the great financial corporations of the country. "This Government is at the mercy of its own creatures. After a full discussion in the Senate. If there was an invading on our soil 243 this hour. over all values conceded to the banks.
."No favor ever demanded by the banks has ever been withheld. It has begotten and pampered a system which is now its master. Congress could not with safety or show of success declare war to repel it without first supplicating cowardly and unpatriotic capital. there is no measure of this Government. consequently. engaged in banking. not to contract the currency. supplemented with here a redoubt and there a ditch. together with ample machinery by which in an emergency they can defy the passage of any act of Con what is left to the Government except an abject so on? This Government could not. until now. and leave the country to starve. with full and unrestricted power over the volume of the currency and. They have demanded the remission of all taxation on their bonds. withhold financial aid. to guard them from the correcting hand of popular indignation.

but it was defeated in the House. and the House became Democratic by a large majority. On February 12. In the congressional election of 1882 the Republicans were overwhelmingly defeated. In this same month the sub-treasury at New York City.
. This action of the Sub-Treasurer was clearly for the purple of rendering the agitation against silver. This cowardly act of the sub-treasurer was an implied admission that the Clearing House Association was mote powerful than Congress. it was the constant purpose of the 244 national banks to build up a colossal system of bank credit that would make the entire business interests of the country tributary to its power. of New Jersey. this gigantic moneyed monopoly received a new lease of life for the period of twenty years longer. The Senate the bill. who were to reconcile the differences existing between the two Houses with reference to the resolution as amended. and it had the further intention of giving an excuse to the national bankers to precipitate a panic. which refused to recede from its amendments. Hence. through the Assistant Treasurer. addressed an inquiry to the President of the New York Clearing House as to the effect of the government paying its balances in silver money. 1882. a millionaire and national banker. both Houses appointed Committees of Conference. 1884 Senator McPherson. and thus lay the foundation for a new demand for more legislation in favor of the banks. and that it was above all law. After these committees had held several meetings an agreement was reached. Upon this disagreement. This act was approved by the President on the 12th of July. introduced a bill to it national banks to increase their circulating notes op to the par value of the bonds deposited by them to secure their circulation. the resolution was reported back to the Senate and House and the measure was adopted. From this time on.The bill then went back to the Senate.

with the tacit permission of the Treasury Department. after its passage by the House. brought on the great panic of 1884. Section 4 of the act provided that the trade dollars so exchanged should be coined under the act of February 28. and calling in outstanding loans. they were to be received in exchange for standard silver dollars coined under the BlandAllison law. In its amended form it passed the House by a vote of 198 yeas to 45 nays. the Committee on Banking and Currency. to whom the bill had been referred. On motion of Mr. This was usury at the annual rate of eleven hundred per
. This bill authorized the government to receive these trade dollars for all dues to the United States.a bill for the retirement and re-coinage of the trade dollar was taken up by the House. 1878. after such exchange the trade dollars were to be coined into standard dollars.427. in which year alone there were 10. reported it back to the House. 1884.and they had no 245 legal tender debt-paying power whatever.000.000. section 4 was stridden out. would add nearly forty million legal tender silver dollars to the volume of money. with liabilities aggregating $226.968 business failures. 1884. and at once began a vigorous contraction of the currency by refusing to loan money to the West and South. In the meantime. the New York national banks had taken their cue from the letter addressed to them by the Sub-Treasurer. They were mere bullion. At this time the number of trade dollars afloat in the country approximated $36. should it become a law. This action of the New York banks.343. and it was transmitted to the Senate. Bland. At the same time money commanded three per cent 246 interest and commission per day on call. and the bill as thus amended.On February 18. On April 1.

time and again. for his slavish subserviency to the national banks. Section z authorized the exchange of trade dollars for standard dollars. authorized these banks to violate the national banking law whenever it was to the financial interests of these corporations. why did not the Comptroller of the Currency exerise his lawful powers. an International Monetary Commission. Section 4 provided for a renewal of that farce. It may be inquired by some. Section 2 provided that these trade dollars were to be coined as part of the bullion under the Bland-Allison law. then a suspension of the further coinage of silver dollars by the
. and deprive the people of the benefits flowing from this beneficient system. 1886. Upon the appearance. that the chief stock-holders in these banks were using the deposits of these institutions in making loans at those exhorbitant rates of usury. and mere surrendering their circulating notes by depositing United States legal tenders with the Comptroller of the Currency. providing for the recoinage of the trade dollars. 1885. has been rewarded by an election to the presidency of some one of these great financial institutions. and the Comptrollers. The open and notorious infractions of law practiced by these banks found ready apologists in Congress. anti that to enforce the law would close these institutions. the time of exchange to be limited to July 1. of the House 247 bill. and proceed against these banks for these notorious violations of law? The facts were that every Comptroller of the Currency. has been a willing instrument in the hands of the national banks. since the creation of that office. The history of the past thirty years exhibits this remarkable fact. in the Senate.centum! It is asserted that while the banks refused to loan money. who audaciously asserted that the banks mere the best judges of the policy to be carried out by them. who reported a substitute of five sections. it was referred to the Finance Committee. that each and every Comptroller of the Currency. Section 5 provided that if no treaties could be ratified with foreign nations for free coinage of silver before August 1.

whereof but little more than $40. At the time he penned this message the records in the Treasury Department shamed that 133.121 silver dollars were in active circulation through their paper representative. One striking fact which attracts attention is the fo1-lowing: That the leading opponents to the coinage of silver dollars have never yet agreed upon the facts.000 silver dollars were in circulation. of which only a little over 40.000. He says: "It appears that annually for the past six years there have been coined in compliance with the requirements of the act of February 28. in December. 1878. and that there were actually but 12." President Arthur sought to convey the impression to Congress that only 40. in which he advised the cessation of the coinage of the silver dollars. Secretary Sherman gave his reason why silver should not be coined.000. of them mere in actual circulation. We quote his language in full. In his annual message to Congress. The number now outstanding is reported to be nearly $185. the silver certificate. In his message of December 1. No action was seen upon this bill by the Senate.000. In hie report of 1880.000. President Arthur recommended the cessation of the coinage of the silver dollar.940. The mere existence of this fact seems to me to 248 furnish of itself a cogent argument for the of the statute which has made such a fact possible.000 were in circulation. 1884.000. and the arguments which they advance against the use of silver as money.000 silver dollars lying idle in the Treasury.000. and gave as his reasons for such recommendation that nearly 185.000.000. more than $27. are in actual circulation. 1884.000.President Arthur urged as a weighty reason for the discontinuance of the coinage of silver dollars. in which he says that it was
. or less than twenty-two per cent.000. and the efforts of the House to legitimize the trade dollar by making it legal tender. and to increase the volume of silver coin were again thwarted.United States should take place by a repeal of the Bland-Allison law. that less than twenty-two per cent.-000 had been coined.

when the legal tender quality was taken away.000. or hoarded. they had a notable controversy. to be an element of active disturbance in our currency system. While the actual facts were that the volume of silver dollars in circulation was 174. The 1am which conferred upon them this legal power continued in force until July 22. 249 there should be offered for them only a slight advance over their bullion value. A further inaccurate statement of the President appears. The President averred that trade dollars mere never legal tender. which he places at a little over 40. but were kept in active circulation. while the fact is that by the law of February 12. While President Arthur was requesting Congress to suspend the coinage of the silver dollar. for while Sherman was Secretary of the Treasury. or exported. This is not the first time that these two distinguished gentlemen disagreed during their public careers. Secretary Sherman had urged as an insuperable objection against the further coinage of silver dollars that they were not held. 1873 they were made legal tender for any one payment not exceeding five dollars. President Arthur asked the suspension of the Bland-Allison law of 1878 on the ground that they did not circulate actively enough. In view of the circumstances under which they were coined and of the fact that they never had a legal tender quality. with which the public were doubtless familiar. when he speaks of the amount of standard dollars in circulation.000. for the present at least. 1876.000. and President Arthur was collector of the Port of New York.000. but it was pushed into active circulation. That this was done with the connivance of Secretary of
. or hoarded.not held." This statement of the President with reference to the legal tender power of the trade dollar is evidence of those inaccuracies that occur many times in the state papers of high officials. the banks of New York City combined to make a raid on the Treas250 ury by presenting greenbacks for gold. In this same message President Arthur made the following reference to the trade dollar: "While the trade dollars have ceased. some provision should be made for their surrender to the Government.

Cleveland upon this phase of the financial issue. in deeming it most desirable at the present juncture to maintain and continue in use the mass of our gold coin as well as the mass of silver already coined. J. would be putting it very
. eight days before Mr. Warner and ninety-four members of the House. joined in a letter to the in-coming President. to prevent the increasing displacement of gold by the increasing coinage of silver. and with a great 251 majority of our fellow citizens. It was nothing less than a plot formed by the bankers and the Secretary to frighten Congress into repealing the Bland-Allison law of 1878. stating that the country would be on a silver basis in thirty days. Mr. over the Republican candidate. the presidential campaign of 1884 had resulted in the election of Grover Cleveland. In the meantime. is evident from the acts of that official. McCulloch. I am not aware that by any other method is it possible. in New York City. Cleveland was inaugurated. Congressman A. Cleveland had held the office of Mayor of Buffalo. then agitating the country. on the llth day of February. 1885. J. and was Governor of the State of New York. requesting that he outline his future policy on the silver question. in which positions he had won much distinction as an honest and capable executive. the report became current that the President-elect was opposed to the further coinage of silver. In the course of that remarkable document occurs the following statement: "I hope that you concur with me. in his reply to the letter of Mr. He had dispatched a telegram to the Sub-Treasurer. of New York. James G. In order to ascertain the views of Mr. A. It is of momentous importance to prevent the two metals from parting company. to prevent the disuse of gold in the custom houses of the United States in the daily business of the people. Prior to his election to the Presidency." To state that the expectations of the Democratic party were rudely shattered by the position assumed by Mr. he gave out an open letter to the press in reply to that of Hon. Cleveland. This is possible by a present suspension of the purchase and coinage of silver. Some time previous to his inauguration. Warner. Blaine. Warner. to prevent the ultimate expulsion of gold by silver.the Treasury. On February 24th.

000. the legend. one of the greatest journals of the East.133. the Wall street clique and their allies seized their opportunity. in 1884 the exports of gold over imports were $18.250. They swooped down on Congress and endeavored to force a repeal of the silver law. The Democratic members of Congress were informed by the thousand per cent men of New York City that it was the wish of President-elect Cleveland that the law authorizing the coinage of silver dollars be repealed.261. It is a matter of public record that. in 1883. A. 1eaving a great balance of imported gold over exports during those five years of more than $150.mildly.371. in 1880.ll9. This great gain of gold took place during the time the Bland-Allison law was in operation. Mr. but without avail. the excess of imports of gold over exports were $1.640. the imports of gold exceeded the exports thereof by $77.000. in which he aligned himself with the single gold standard. Warner and others. In his zeal for the suspension of the coinage of the silver dollar. but it failed so
. and predictions mere 'freely made that gold would go to a premium if the silver lair was not repealed. The mass of the party expressed great astonishment. $6." Every means and all possible influences were brought to bear upon Congress to force it to repeal the Bland-Allison law. The New York Herald. Cleveland was led into erroneous statements of facts as to the alleged disuse of gold in the custom houses and in the business of the people. not to say indignation. the national banking money power threatened to visit another panic upon the people. Upon the appearance of this reply of Mr. in 1881. constantly kept in a prominent place in its columns.789.174. Cleveland 252 to the communication of Hon. The members of the House were besieged by these hordes of coin venders and bullion brokers. at the bold stand taken by the President-elect. A single attempt was made to carry into effect the wish of the President-elect. J. "We are still coining the go and 75 per cent dollars.

it presumed that the mere ipse dixit of Grover Cleveland would coerce Congress into submission to his views. This motion was disagreed to by a vote of ll8 yeas to 152 nays. One feature of the conduct of Mr. an Eastern Democratic member of the 253 House.ignominiously by such a decisive vote that no further effort was made in that Congress.. 1866 and 1885. in his effort to engraft upon an appropriation bill a clause to repeal the Bland-Allison lair. will be shown by the following figures. The letter of Mr. to gain its ends by legislative sanction. taken from a work entitled. providing for the suspension of the operations of the law of February 28. and also in the things working folks have to produce in order to get the dollars with which to pay debts and interest: -
. A clause was tacked to this bill. moved to suspend the rules and consider said clause. expressed in dollars. "Philosophy of Price" says: "Here is a table showing the debt of the United 254 States on the 1st of July. 1866. The infamous nature of the financial legislation from 1862 to 1875. being the sundry civil appropriation bill. he promptly received a well-deserved rebuke for his attempted interference with the legislation of Congress. Randall. "The Philosophy of Price. including non-interest bearing greenbacks. was pending before the House. and this clause was abandoned and stricken from the bill.the Bland-Allison law. exhibits the avidity of the money power to seize every opportunity. up to and including 1885. 1878. Randall. Cleveland was regarded by the House as an open and manifest attempt to influence Congas against the continued coinage of silver. if such was the intention of the President-elect. and. The time covered by "Philosophy of Price" is July 1." quoted in the Daily News Almanac and Political Register for 1891.immediately upon the appearance of the Warner letter. 1885. in so enormously enhancing the value of the public debt. and in enriching the bond-holders at the expense of the productive energy of the country. however slight. and that is . House bill 8256. Mr. It was as follows: On February 26.

000..000.000 Beef.740. yet we fin that what there is left of it when measured labor. It is true that the idea of this system of banking had its origin in England. 2...000. Prof. 24.000..000 3.... or the product of labor. 213. barrels.000.......000 135.870.National Debt 1866....000. and consequently of the people. 82..000.200...000 400.. bushels." This colossal robbery of the nation. and which handed it over to a few individuals.000 40..000.. was planned and matured by the national banking money power. C....000. National Debt 1885.000.357.000. 800.000.000 Corn..000.000.000 Bar iron.. bales.000. bushels.$2.. tons..262. was placed upon the statute-boots under the false and misleading plea of maintaining the "Credit of the nation untarnished. Each one of the series of enactments which legally confiscated billions of property of the taxpayers... is fifty per cent greater than the original debt.000 Pork.000. J..000..000 1. 129... 3.000..000.000
"Almost every product of labor shows the same result.000 34..000 Cotton. 12.000..000 4. barrels.000 Oats. Debt in dollars. $1..000 96... eloquently described the legislative process by which
. tons....." That distinguished historian.773...000..000 Wheat..000 $800.000.000. and it is also a fact that the scheme of legislating increased value into the bonded debt was suggested by the influential bankers of London. Ridpath.. We paid from 1866 to 1884 the public debt: Interest..... bushels...000 and principal about $1.000 Coal..

and on the basis of which. He said: "It is the hardship of war that brings debt upon the country which engages in it. Gold and silver had disappeared. to make a long narrative brief. was. but ever. until the so-called resumption of specie payment was anally. the business of the country had been so long transacted. when near the crest. It would simply have been laid upon posterity as an everlasting tax. and by a series of legislative enactments. "Then came on the warfare between the advocates of the so-called 'honest dollar' and the paper dollar with which.255 the value of the public debt was vastly increased. effected. To the present day the process has been kept up. backed up and instigated by the creditor classes. Theoretically and even constitutionally it was probably so. and. The toiler laboriously rolled the stone to the top of the hill. Paper money prevailed and abounded. as measured by the standard of gold.though it was stamped and branded with the names of coins -was really merchandise. At length the bottom was reached . as the case may be . As fast as payment was made the value of the dollar in which it was expressed was increased. was how they should measure and manage this debt. to all intents and purposes. the standard unit in the financial mill. which expressed their devotion
. "Thus the value of the national debt was augmented from year to year as rapidly as it was paid away. with Congress and with the people of the United States. however. it got away with him and returned with thundering and the roar of bankruptcy to the bottom. For many years together the dollar of the law and the contract was. they won with it. 256 turn by turn.. after fourteen years from Appomattox. The premium on coin arose to almost two hundred per cent. a dollar of paper. worth less than fifty cents. To the debtor class all this was the labor of Sysiphus. for a considerable period. which.and the readjustment became necessary. entailing the greatest hardships on the producing interests of the country. succeeded in twisting up. The dollar of the law and the contract became a paper dollar. "But what was the equity of this situation? One class of statesmen. The advocates of high payment took the 'honest dollar' as their catch-word. Practically this was not so. The principal question. notwithstanding the multiplied billions upon billions which the American people have paid in principal and interest upon that patriotic we debt. and. In any old nation there would have remained no hope at all of paying it. The prodigious pile reached the clouds.or the top. During the same period the modicum of gold and silver remaining in the country . In our own case we piled up a debt mountainwise. held that the dollar was always the gold and silver dollar.

daily larger and more secure. Prof. and gathered into its miserly hands all the wealth left in a reined land. Mills. as they please. is beyond computation. Q. 1886. "The first question. is at the present time. this renowned scholar and writer had recourse to the sublime imagery of Homer. Whom can we trust with this despotism? At present the banks and the money kings wield this power. This explains the riddle. They own every pound weight. as a necessary result of the enormous appreciation of money brought about by contraction of its volume. from Aristotle to Adam Smith. in the heat of righteous indignation eloquently arraigned that unlimited avarice that was continually besieging Congress to enhance
. Hon. illustrates the means by which the money power absorbed the wealth of the country. of Texas. even while those who trade in other things go into bankruptcy. found work for willing hands to do. which had plundered the American people of billions of dollars. it was the currency." In his effort to convey an adequate idea of the nature of that legislation. He said: "In other words. by juggling with the currency. They own the yardstick. rightly arranged. Not only is this true of the public debt.and sacrifice. allows that a change in the currency alters the price of every ounce and yard of merchandise and every foot of land. that those who trade in money always grow rich. Or it was currency. therefore. while capital added house to house and field to field. but the same process of depreciating the value of property has likewise enhanced the value of private debts. worth virtually as much to the holders as it was when it reached its nominal maximum . that the debt itself.. although billions had been applied to its payment. Wendell Phillips. wickedly and selfishly juggled. 1865.in August. and filled them with a just return. which. Ridpath demonstrates that the public debt was not decreased at all. 257 In a great speech. The amount of property that has been transferred from debtors to creditors. ministered to a glad prosperity. that made merchants bankrupt and starved labor into discontent and slavery. while honest capital. and can mate it heavier or lighter as they choose. R. and can make it longer or shorter." On the 3d of February. opened a nation's well springs. %here ought control of the currency to rest? In whose hands can this almost omnipotent power be trusted? Every writer of political economy. it is the truth of history. so mysterious to common people. in an industrial nation is.

and rich enough to satisfy every want save that which refuses to be satisfied without the suffocation and strangulation of all the labor of the land. and nurtured in the principles of the same religions faith. In this document he says: "The necessity of an addition of the silver currency of the nation as is compelled by the silver coinage act is negatived by the fact that up to the present time only about fifty millions of the silver dollars so coined have found their may into circulation. the hand of a foreigner. phlegmatic marble heart of avarice. December 8.avarice that seeks to paralyze labor the burden of debt. "But the crime that is now sought to be perpetrated on more than fifty millions of people comes neither from the camp of a conqueror. He said: "But in all the wild. the custody of which has entailed considerable expense for the construction of 259 new vaults for its deposits. who were born under the same skies. nor the altar of an idolator. and remorseless brutalities that have marked the footprints of resistless power there is some extenuating circumstance that 258 mitigates the severity of the punishment due the crime. reared in the same institutions. some have some from the antipathy that separate alien races." In his first annual message to Congress. and send desolation and suffering to all the homes of the poor."
.avarice surrounded by every comfort that wealth can command. But it comes from those in whose veins runs the blood of the common ancestry. It comes from the cold. some from the superstitions of opposing religions. the President took a decided stand against the continued coinage of silver. shut out labor from all employment. reckless. speak the same language.the value of bonds and securities at the expense of the producers. leaving more than one hundred and sixty-five millions in the possession of the Government. and fill the land with destitution and suffering to gratify the lust for gold.. With a forehead that refuses to be ashamed. increase the burden of debts and taxation. Some have been the product of the fierce passions of war. Against this latter amount there are outstanding silver certificates amounting to about ninety-three millions of dollars. 1885. it demands of Congress an act that will paralyze all the forces of action.

Furthermore." The President then recommends the suspension of the coinage of silver dollars coined under the law of 1878. Just why the payment of twenty per cent of the duties in silver should arouse the apprehensions of the President is not very apparent. 1885." Again he says: "We have now on hand all the silver dollars necessary to supply the present needs of the people and to satisfy those who from sentiment wish to see them in circulation. If the 260 need of more is at any time apparent their coinage can be renewed." A comparison of the statements in his message with the predictions ventured in the Warner letter will be instructive. is a matter of concern to every patriotic citizen who does not desire his Government to pay in silver such of its obligations as should be paid in gold. while the average within that period has been twenty per cent." in his message of December 8. to pay their debts to each other. Cleveland further says: "The condition in which our Treasury may be placed by a persistence in our present course. of the receipts for duties have been in silver or silver certificates. In this message President Cleveland came out squarely in favor of perpetuating the national
. Mr.Further on in this same message he said: "At times during the past six months fifty-eight per cent. According to the President's theory and reasoning. the most effective means of supplying the volume of money needed by the people would be a suspension of its coinage. the very purpose of coining these silver dollars was to enable people to transact business. he shows that instead of silver displacing gold in the payment of duties. In the latter he desired "To prevent the disuse of gold in the custom houses of the United States. only about twenty per cent of the latter were paid in silver or silver certificates. and if their coinage is suspended. they can readily be obtained by all who desire them. and to the Government.

The bill. and it was amended to authorize the receipt of trade dollars for government dues. 1878. which reported a substitute that axed the period of six months from date of the act for the exchange of trade dollars for standard dollars. the trade dollars so redeemed to be sent 261 to the mints for coinage as part of the bullion to bc purchased under the Bland-Allison law of February 28. and earned the unenviable distinction of being the first Democratic President that advocated the policy of delegating the power of issuing money to private corporations.000. but he could not lead the great body of the Western and Southern Democracy to accept that ToryRepublican system of finance that had been imported from London in 1863. providing for the redemption of the trade dollars for standard silver dollars. This act became a law without the approval of the President. the President in his next annual message. Notwithstanding these facts.000. Be it said to the eternal honor of the House of Representatives.000.
. 1887. " On December 17.banking system. the advice and recommendations of the President fell on deaf ears. the use of silver and silver certificates increased from $143. both Houses appointed a Committee of Conference. December 6. 1886. or for fractional silver coin. which indicated the great popularity of this form of money with the people.000 to $167. which was Democratic. passed by a vote of 174 yeas to 36 nays. Senate bill 199 was pending before the House. In this course he allied himself with the money power. not as part of the bullion and coinage under the Bland-Allison law. and this co-ordinate branch of the Government would not be coerced into repealing the Bland-Allison silver law. and for coining the said trade dollars into standard dollars. On February 12. 1886. Senate bill No. During the following year. and in exchange for standard dollars. as amended. 199. In this course he was sustained by a few Eastern Democratic members of Congress. passed the Senate. The trade dollars so exchanged were to be recoined and not counted as part of the silver to be purchased under the Bland-Allison law of 1878. said: "I see no reason to change the views expressed in my last annual message on the subject of compulsory coinage.

the millionaire beggars and paupers of Wall street would have emitted a loud and prolonged howl that would have been heard to the nethermost parts of the earth. came to their relief by depositing with these banks government money to the amount of $63." a "dangerous anarchist.000. it me the highest essence of patriotism to save the panic-breeders of New York City from the consequences of their own traitorous conduct by donating them the use of $63. The people of Kansas and Nebraska would have been assailed by every epithet that could have been coined from the English language. with the subsidized press and its satellites." or a "crank. which was the direct result of their concerted action. and even the banks of New York City felt the effects of the panic. notwithstanding the aid received from the Federal Government. In the meanwhile the monetary stringency of 1884 continued in all its severity. the Shylocks. whereupon Secretary of the Treasurer Manning. The national bank monopoly. who gladly exacted a thousand per cent usury.In spite of the fears of President Cleveland that gold mould be displaced by the increased coinage of silver. railroad wreckers. 262 These great financial institutions of New York City called upon the Government for assistance. would have expended all their genius in holding him up to ridicule.000 without interest for the use of that enormous sum. the gold gamblers. While it would be dangerous socialism for the Government to assist the farmer during his calamities. famed in caricature. stock speculators. requested the Federal Government to loan them the public funds to assist them in agricultural pursuits. Had the farmers of Kansas.
.000.000 in government funds. or Nebraska. 263 In the meantime. the banks of New York City organized a clique with the intention of making a raid upon the gold in the Treasury." The Nasts and the Gillams. which had been wrung from the people by a burdensome system of taxation. a national banker." a "socialist. the net gain of gold during his administration was increased many millions. would have denounced the hard working farmer of Kansas or Nebraska as a "long whiskered hay-seed.

since 1883. who was in Paris at the time when the contents of the message were made public. Meanwhile. and he took strong grounds in favor of suppressing the trusts. and he called upon those banks who had organized a corner against the Treasury gold. In this message the President urged the necessity of a complete reformation of the then existing tariff. and pushed the tariff issue to the front. 264 Upon the appearance of this message. by substituting government legal tender notes for the United States bonds deposited with the Comptroller of the Currency to secure their circulating notes. the leaders of the Republican party charged the President with having committed the Democracy to the policy of British free trade. or else you shall have the panic.The base ingratitude of the New York banks aroused the ire of Secretary Manning. who would willingly sink the Government if money could be made by the operation. The stern threats of the Secretary frustrated this attempt to loot the Treasury of its gold. the national banks steadily continued their policy of contracting the currency. but you will have the panic if you continue to embarrass the Government as you have done. The Government is strong. and informed them of what would follow if they persevered in that course. He said: "You may precipitate a panic. This document is justly regarded as one of the strongest state papers that ever eminated from the pen of the President. and to coerce Congress into repealing the Bland-Allison silver law. President Cleveland relegated the financial question to the rear. Give me your gold for it and stop this raid upon the Treasury." The heroic treatment of Secretary Manning was a warning to these scoundrels. in the form of an extended interview held with a representative of the New York Tribune. 1887. the Government can stand a panic. not certificates. Blaine.
. In his annual message of December." He continued: "Here are twenty million dollars in round silver dollars. Mr. availed himself of the opportunity to answer the President by a counter blast.

This worked a double contraction of the currency. and the bonds deposited to secure these bank notes were taken up by the depositors and sold for the premium.This policy. 1887. From October 31.545.a premium which ranged as high as twenty-nine per cent on the dollar. to October 31. and the Government was throwing vast sums of money into circulation by the redemption of bonds. to a large extent. On February 29. from October 31.000. Beside the contraction brought about by the process of depositing legal tender notes to redeem the circulating notes of national banks. from 1883 to 1888. 5034 was pending in the House of Representatives
.495. me for the avowed purpose of obtaining the great premium which they brought in the market . 1888. yet the volume of money in circulation was not increased. the latter form of currency was surrendered by the banks. the banks surrendered $15. neutralized the benefits derived from the increased use of silver. from October 31.676. the national banks surrendered their circulating notes to the amount of $24. reached the great sum of $163. Although the Bland-Allison law was in operation. to October 31. 1885. 1887. For nearly every dollar emitted by the Treasury Department for the redemption of bonds. and this process of redemption was carried on by the payment of a large premium to the bond-holders and national bankers. to October 31. a further decrease was made by cancelling national bank notes to the amount of $16. the banks surrendered up their notes to the amount of $50. the Comptroller of 265 the Currency showed the extent to which this system of contraction was carried on from 1883 to 1888 by these fiscal agencies of the Government. from October 31.461. 1884. 1888.000. In his report for the year 1892.533. 1883.170. to October 31.739.84. 1884. 1886.589. the national banks surrendered up almost an equal amount of their circulating notes. to October 31. The object of the banks. House bill No. It will be ascertained that the total voluntary contraction of national bank currency. During this time the Government was redeeming its bonds. 1885. national bank notes were contracted $56. from October 31. 1886.590. in thus withdrawing their bonds deposited to secure their circulating notes.

lost. Senator Beck offered an amendment. a permanent provision. The object of this measure aimed at relieving the money market of its stringency by the purchase of 266 bonds. There has been the greatest depreciation of the price of agricultural products the country has ever known. whereby money has been consumed. of all kinds of currency of the United States. The bill passed."
.000. The substitute was agreed to by the Senate. the retirement of the national banking circulation during the twelve months has been five per cent.000. directing the Secretary of the Treasury.000 of property which mast finally be measured by this volume of currency. greenback notes and national bank notes. declaring section 2 of the sundry civil appropriation law of June 30. Nominally it is $346. No man can tell the volume of greenbacks outstanding. On March 26. required under the law of February 28.000. the surplus of gold and silver certificates. House bill 5034 came up in the Senate. 1878. Senator Plumb made the following remarks: "It is estimated that there are in circulation. gold and silver. The amendment was agreed to by a vote of 32 yeas to 13 nays. 1888.000.000 and a fraction.000.000.600. worn out. of the to amount of the currency outstanding. all told. 1882. and there are more than $60.000 today. to be coined and used as provided in said act. including that which is locked up in the Treasury and held in the banks as a reserve fund. and Senator Spooner offered a substitute. but that volume has been subject to all the accidents which have occurred during the past twenty-five years. It has been contracted during the last year morc than live per cent in addition to all that has occurred by reason of abrasion and loss.This measure authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to apply the surplus in the Treasury to the purchase or redemption of United States bonds. and on failure of other banks to take out an equal amount. and it is doubtful if the amount is really over $300. During the debate on the amendment offered by Senator Beck. then to purchase an equivalent amount of silver bullion in excess of the minimum. 267 "But say nothing about that. There has been during that period a phenomenal depreciation of the prices of property. about $1. on the retirement of national bank circulation. and the consequent increase of the volume of currency.

1888.346.raged throughout the entire administration of President Cleveland." The bill then went to the House. Debts have not only increased.748. and in such recommendation I earnestly concur.570.418. as it was called . and the liabilities were $756.883. President Cleveland again urged the repeal of the Bland-Allison law.597. Events based upon nonlegislation have proved of advantage to 1enders. that the holders of United States bonds were obtaining a premium for their bonds ranging as high as twenty-seven per cent. not including silver certificates to the amount of $237. but the means to pay them have diminished in proportion as the currency has been contracted. He said: "The Secretary recommends the suspension of the 268 further coinage of silver.336 in silver dollars and certificates that were in active circulation. The aggregate number of failures for the years 1885.
.990 were in active use. with the consequent sacrifice of property at ruinous prices.In speaking of the effects of contraction of the currency in depreciating the value of property.000.990 silver dollars had been coined. were utterly discredited by these facts. he said: "The contraction of the currency by five per cent. 312. but as it was near the close of the session.000. 1888. as to the capacity of the country to use silver as money." Up to November 30. Meanwhile the panic of 1884. of its volume means the depreciation of the property of the country $3.970. it did not receive any consideration. 1886. The determined opposition of the President to the coinage of silver was one of the strange features of an otherwise highly successful administration.389. It will be observed that the many predictions of President Cleveland.but which really began in 1882. of which 60.000. It was during this period of business failures and general depression everywhere. 1887 and 1888 were 51.making a total of $298. In his annual message of December. but disastrous to borrowers.

eventually more than counteracted an honest. when his successor was inaugurated. and a single standard of gold. Cleveland gave the people an administration of public affairs that shed honor upon himself. Nevertheless the ultimate baleful results of his influence in favor of the national banks.220 was accumulated in the Treasury over and above the gold reserve of $100. fenced in by great corporations. 1889. economical management
. His administration of other departments of the Government was notably successful. During the four years that he directed the public affairs of the nation.000.000. and the red man received just and humane treatment at the hands of the United States. and this measured the profit obtained by the banks and bond-holders in the process of redeeming the debt.597.448. It is true that this vast decrease of the public debt in the short period of four years resulted in an immense profit to the bond-holders and national bankers who surrendered their bonds for payment. In addition to this vast decrease of the public debt.250 in legal tenders was accumulated as a trust fund for the redemption of national bank notes.441. Tens of millions of acres of the public lands. were restored to the public domain.000. The amount of premium on the bonds so surrendered was $59. and the usurpers driven off by the vigorous policy of the President. the Indian Department was honestly manage. For the first time since 1861. and his advocacy of the perpetuation of the national banking system.449. a bank security fund of $82. In addition to this vast sum of money. Land grants embracing many millions of acres were forfeited and throw open for settlement. was $265. the public debt was reduced in the magnificent sum of $341. The total amount of cash in the Treasury on the 4th of March.With the exception of his hostile attitude to silver as money. Mr.269.846. the result of a frugal and honest administration.000. and its efficiency was not surpassed by any in the annals of American history. 269 a surplus of $83.

To Chapter VIII To the Table of Contents
.of the public affairs of the country.

Democratic Platform. General Benjamin Harrison was the successful candidate for the presidency. On the 4th of March. THE NATIONAL BANKING MONEY POWER SECURES COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE TREASURY. Harrison stood. 271 In his first annual message to Congress. of Minnesota. In addition to having the Presidency. like that of issuing gold and silver coins. vigorously charged the administration of President Cleveland with having attempted to dcmonetize silver. General Harrison was duly inaugurated. on which Mr. and cannot be claimed by any individuals. 1889. and calculated to place the business of the country within the control of a concentrated money power and above the laws and the will of the people. William Windom. that me believe each an institution to be one of deadly hostility to the best interests of the Government. He said: -
.". "The right of issuing paper money as currency. 1889. 1840. belongs exclusively to the nation. dangerous to our republican institutions and the liberties of the people. For Secretary of the Treasury he selected the Hon. The active opposition of President Cleveland to the use of silver as money gave some color to this charge. In the presidential campaign of 1888.Albert Gallatin.The Coming Battle
270 CHAPTER VIII. John Sherman occupied his old position of Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate.". The national Republican platform. December 3.
"Resolved. the Republicans had control of both branches of Congress. That Congress has no power to charter a United States bank. President Harrison paid special attention to the coinage of silver under the Bland-Allison law of 1878.

"The total coinage of silver dollars was.098. of which $283. $343.480 were in circulation. that the use of the silver certificate in lieu of the coin it represents. 1889. was the only evidence by which it was shown that silver was discredited.219.577. as expressed in this message.219.
. of the silver dollars coined under the Bland-Allison law of 1878. President Harrison gave Congress and the people the clearest and fairest statement with reference to the number and circulation of silver dollars that was yet presented by any President up to his time.000. As a coin it has not had general use. then.577 not in circulation and not represented by certificate" In this message. Every one who would avail himself of the facts stated in this document knew. were absolutely groundless.001. leaving $6. At the time the President stated that silver was discredited by the use of certificates. by a parity of reasoning. This remarkable absorption of silver in the channels of trade and commerce." It seems from the opinion of President Harrison. with reference to the continued coinage of standard silver dollars. If the issuance of silver certificates operates to discredit the silver dollar. the use of gold certificates as a substitute for gold coin discredits gold.319. The facts stated by President Harrison amply proved that the predictions and apprehensions of President Cleveland and others. Of the amount in the vaults $277. there were outstanding gold certificates aggregating $165.539.000. 272 But this is manifestly owing to the fact that its paper representative is more convenient. The general acceptance and use of the silver certificate shows that silver has not been otherwise discredited.-944 were represented by outstanding certificates.521 were in the Treasury vaults and $60. The President further says: "The evil anticipations which have accompanied the coinage and use of the silver dollar have not been realized. all were in active use and circulation except the small sum of $6.638. and the public Treasury has been compelled to store it. that. on November 1. evinced the great popularity of this money with the people.

Cleveland. he carried his fears from that subject into the system of government purchase of bullion. At this time. as a great obstacle in the way of free coinage of the latter metal. and he speaks of the difference in the bullion value respectively of gold and silver coin. which provided that any owner of silver bullion could deposit it in the Treasury. and he seeks to cast reproach upon the late administration.
. Secretary Windom recommended his plan to Congress. uses innuendo against free coinage. and accepts gold certificates." From the tenor of the language of President Harrison first quoted. who deposits his coin or bullion in the Treasury. Having thus cunningly stated his objections to the free coinage of silver. or bullion. and I fear the same result would follow any considerable increase of the present rate of coinage. The partial eulogy bestowed by President Harrison upon silver was intended as a reflection upon those public utterances of Mr. Farther on in the same message the President said: "I think it is dear that if we should make the coinage of silver at its present ratio free. then the owner or holder of gold coin. and thus discredits the silver dollar. also discredits gold. and was trained "To make the worse appear the better reason. and its coinage into dollars under the Bland-Allison law.If the holder of silver dollars deposits that coin in the Federal Treasury. In the language last quoted. and receive therefor silver certificates upon the bullion value of the silver so deposited. the President. and receives therefor silver certificates. and he suggested that there is peril in the further continuation of the coinage of silver dollars. with the ability of a skilled special pleader. he delicately ridicules the severe strictures of President Cleveland upon silver as money." 273 President Barren was an able lawyer. in which the latter opposed the use of silver as money. we must expect that the difference in the bullion values of gold and silver dollars will be taken into account in commercial transactions.

Mr. and to supply the national banking money power with an opportunity to denounce the standard silver dollar as a "cheap dollar. while it was pending. 1878. and was known as House bill 5381. Windom recommended this plan. the Senate free coinage amendment was defeated. of Kansas. The Windom plan was transmitted to Congress. was pending in the House. and the adoption of his plan by Congress would have created two classes of silver money and silver certificates." a "70-cent dollar." a "dishonest dollar. and would have resulted in a contraction of the currency equal to the amount of standard silver dollars coined since February 28. The motion was defeated by a vote of 116 yeas to 140 nays. the bullion value of the silver dollar was only seventy per cent.000 in interest-bearing bonds to secure gold for redemption purposes. House bill 5381. which was agreed to by a vote of 43 yeas to 24 nays. A substitute offered by Mr. Mr. The silver certificate issued under the Bland-Allison law would have represented far less bullion value than the certificates issued under his plan. where it was introduced as House bill 5381.000. It can be seen that the object of the Windom plan me to disparage 274 the silver dollars and their paper representatives issued under the Bland-Allison law. This would compel the issue of nearly $400. offered an amendment for free and unlimited coinage of silver. House bill 5381 was reported by the Finance Committee of the Senate with sundry amendments. after long wrangling. 1890. On June 17th.When Mr. Plumb. On June 5. The bill as amended into a free coinage measure was then passed by the Senate On Jane 25th. the Senate bill came up in the House. 275
." Then demands would be made upon the Government to protect its credit by redeeming the standard silver dollars in gold. Bland moved to recommit. with instructions to the committee to report back a bill for the free coinage of silver. of the bullion value of the gold dollar. Conger was then passed. known as the Windom Silver Bullion Purchase Bill. and.

to be made. Hon. Mr. under this act. would be issued to buy the silver bullion out of which silver dollars mere to be coined. which. In the meantime. and I was simply asked whether I agreed to it or not.-000.' as requires the monthly purchase and coinage of the same into silver dollars of not less than $2. is hereby repealed. after long deliberation. of Missouri. Senator Cockrell. if any. and all deposits thereafter received for lite purpose. In reply to these remarks of Senator Cockrell. Conger) says this bill is the result of a free and fair conference. and I never received a notice to attend another meeting of this conference until this bill was agreed to and the report was ready to be signed. Bland exposed the trickery of the Republican members of that committee in holding secret meetings to prevent the free coinage members from participating in its deliberations.000 worth of silver bullion. P. That so much of the act of February 28.000 nor more than $4. I was notified that my presence was no longer needed and that when my services were required.Both Houses appointed a Conference Committee which. R. but before the date of the meeting arrived. brought in a conference report. 1878. We had but one meeting in which all the conferees were represented. He said: "Now. pointed out that this measure was designed for the degradation of silver as a money metal. and the amount of charges or deductions. and that the Secretary of the Treasury was invested with such great powers that he could practically demonetize silver by refusing to pay it out for the redemption of the Treasury notes. secret meetings or caucuses were held by the Republican members of that conference and this bill was concocted and prepared by them. In a speech on this conference report. That upon the passage of this act the balances standing with the Treasurer of the United States to the respective credits of national banks for deposits made to redeem the circulating notes of such banks. I would be notified. the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. and the Treasurer of the United States shall redeem from the general cash in the Treasury the circulating notes of said banks which
. We were to have another meeting of the conferees. I deny it. entitled 'An act to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar and to restore its legal tender character.000. shall be covered into the Treasury as a miscellaneous receipt. Speaker. Sen278 the amount of pure silver contained. "Section 5. That was the meeting appointed for last Thursday." In the Senate debate on the bill reported by the Conference Committee. "Section 6.

silver bullion to the aggregate amount of 4. afterward publicly stated that this measure was for the express purpose of defeating the free coinage of silver. That this act shall take effect thirty days from and after its passage.may come into his possession subject to redemption. to be known as the national bank note redemption account.000 ounces. from an appropriation hereby created. will exhibit some remarkable facts. or as much thereof as would be offered in
. 1893. be reported on the monthly public debt statement as debt of the United States bearing no interest. and future events demonstrated that it was so cunningly planned that it terminated in mating silver a credit money. in connection with the circumstances attending its passage. I believe in this respect it has rendered the country an enormous service.1890. On August 30. at the close of each month. that he would have voted for the repeal of this law within ten days after its passage. Senator Sherman." This silver purchasing law. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorized to purchase. reimbursement of their amount shall be made to the Treasurer. was the offspring of the fertile brain of John Sherman. succeeded in getting this bill through Congress.500. who. under such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe." With unparalleled brazen effrontery. He said: "Our Democratic friends have denounced this purchasing clause as a iniserable makeshift. "Section 7. lately published. he stated in his Memoirs. as chairman of the Committee on Finance of the United States Senate. In substance. from time to time. and the balance remaining of the deposits so covered shall. after he had by this means defeated the free coinage measure proposed by the Senate. and upon the certificate of the Comptroller of the Currency that such notes have been received by him and that they have been destroyers and that no new notes will be issued in their place. to be held and used for the redemption of its circulating notes. as it finally passed Con279 gress. It was a makeshift. 1874 requiring every national bank to keep in lawful money with the Treasurer of the United States a sum equal to five per cent of its circulation. Senator Sherman delivered a speech urging a speedy repeal of the lair for the passage of which he had bent all his energies to secure in 1890. but the provisions of this act shall not apply to the deposits received under section 3 of the act of June 20. but I think a good once defeat the free coinage of silver on the ratio of 16 to 1. An examination of the provisions of the act of July 14.

when so redeemed. when not taken in connection with section 2. 1891. in coin. That no greater or less amount of such notes should be outstanding at any time than the cost of the silver bullion and the standard silver dollars coined therefrom. purchased by such notes." The language of this section provided for the redemption of the Treasury notes in silver dollars. Section 3 of this act was so cunningly contrived that it operated to hoard up the silver dollars coined under this law. a sufficient number of dollars must be coined therefrom to redeem these notes. could be reissued. Treasury notes of the United States were to be 280 prepared by the Secretary of the Treasury in denominations of not less than $1 nor more than $1. then held in the Treasury. except where otherwise expressly stipulated in the contract.000. upon demand of the holder of any of the Treasury notes so issued. And in payment of such bullion. public and private. not exceeding $1 for each 371. That such Treasury notes should be a legal tender in payment of all debts. This section to which we direct the attention of the reader is as followers: "That the Secretary of the Treasury shall each month coin 2.000 ounces of the silver bullion purchased under the provisions of this act into standard silver dol281 lars until the first day of July. and all public dues. at the Treasury of the United States. and.000. that for every dollar in Treasury notes emitted for the purchase of silver bullion. and when so received could be reissued. the Secretary of the Treasury should redeem such notes in gold or silver coin. and after that time he shall coin of the silver bullion purchased under the provisions of this act as much as may be necessary to provide for the redemption of the Treasury notes herein provided for. That. or such ratio as may be provided by law. The inference to be drawn from this language which we have quoted is. That such notes could be counted a part of its lawful reserve by any National Banking Association. or at the office of any assistant treasurer of the United States. That the Treasury notes so issued should be redeemable on demand. That it was the established policy of the United States to maintain the two metals on a parity with each other upon the present legal ratio. at his discretion.each month at the market price. To maintain an adequate supply of such silver dollars
.25 grains of pure silver. That such notes should be receivable for customs. taxes.

1893. 1890. In that document.000. 1893."First. at the same 282 time.000 ounces of silver per month.000. the presence of which
. Section 3 also provided that any gain or seigniorage. and would afford a President and Secretary of the Treasury. This policy was carried into effect by Secretaries Foster and Carlisle. When we construe the propositions embraced in the act of July 14. he pointed out that the silver coin and bullion in the Treasury had increased more than $147. unfriendly to silver. while the holder of gold was granted the privilege of taking his bullion to the mints and have it coined into money of unlimited legal tender debt-paying poorer. Section 6 of this act provided that.000 should be repealed. 1878. an opportunity to point to them as evidence that they vere not desired as money for actual circulation. it will be seen that the silver dollars coined under this law could be hoarded up in the Treasury at the mere will of the Secretary.500. and all deposits thereafter received for like purpose. That the free coinage system.000 not more than $4. 1890. in which he advised the speedy repeal of the purchasing clause of this law. Stored up in the Treasury vaults by a literal interpretation of this language. should be paid into the Treasury as a miscellaneous receipt.000. upon its passage.available for the redemption of such notes. "Second. he could use his discretion in redeeming such Treasury notes wholly in gold. was absolutely destroyed by this enactment. That the purchase of 4. while. This was actually done by President Cleveland in his message of August 8. in so far as it required the monthly purchase and coinage of silver bullion into silver dollars of not less than $2.000 between the 1st of July. the legal tender notes deposited by the national banks for the redemption of the circulating notes of such banks. but a large surplus would remain on the market. Section 4 provided that so much of the Bland-Allison act of February 28. they must be kept inviolate in the Treasury for that identical purpose This mould prohibit them from going into circulation. we ascertain. up to the 15th of July. should be paid into the Treasury. which had existed prior to 1973. would not exhaust its annual production. Hence. a large accumulation of these dollars would be inevitable. which would be the difference between the coinage value of the silver so purchased and its bullion value. and that the purchase of silver bullion by the Government made this metal a mere commodity. and that national bank notes should bc redeemed out of a fund to be created and known as the national bank note redemption account.

-000.would inevitably result in a depreciation of its bullion value . Moreover this surplus would accumulate year by year. was adopted at the cunning suggestion and at the instigation of John Sherman. while these two laws professed to solve the silver question. the Secretary of the Treasury could go into the open market and bay silver from the lowest competitive bidder.000 ounces. was couched in that provision forbidding the Secretary of the Treasury to pay more than one dollar for each 371.000. A maximum price was fixed beyond which the Secretary could not go. leaving an annual surplus of 16.464.000 and its price per ounce was $1.000. This provision was a statutory declaration of hostility toward silver. in fixing the price of gold to be paid by the Bank of England. Should the silver dollars so coined fall in bullion value. the policy embodied in the Sherman law was similar to that of the Bland-Allison law in this. the production of silver for that year was not less than 70.000 ounces to act as a depressing clement on the price of silver. gradually but surely lowering the bullion price of silver.the value of silver 283 produced during 1890 was. below which that bank. and that process meant a continual fall in its price. $70. was a shrewd scheme to make silver a mere credit money redeemable in gold alone. The policy of England. One feature of the Sherman law that was extremely vicious. In one respect.05. that. established a minimum.25 grains of pure silver. 284 The Government became a "bear" in the silver market. they aggravated the mischief by affording a greatly limited market for silver. could not go on penalty of forfeiture of its
. and its purchase and coinage on government account alone.000 ounces per annum. The abolition of free coinage of silver. The object of this policy. Under the provisions of the Sherman law. bet there was no minimum below which he could not buy. by which the Government purchased silver and coined it into dollars." Therefore. a demand would be made upon Congress to maintain the public credit by guaranteeing the bullion parity of the silver dollar with that of gold. The total amount of silver provided for by the Sherman law was 54. and consequently a restricted demand for it with a resultant fall of price.

aimed at the destruction of the value of silver. of which it was the largest holder. it being the established policy of the United States to maintain the two metals on a parity with each other upon the present legal ratio. The first clause declared the Treasury notes redeemable in coin. or such ratio as may bc provided by law. The financial system of the United States. the policy of Great Britain aimed at the enhancement of the value of gold. and when so redeemed." This last clause made the whole section ambiguous. the Secretary of the Treasury was authorial to issue Treasury notes. under each regulations as he may 285 prescribe. of which it was the largest producer in the world. Coin meant gold and silver at the time this law came in force. the Secretary of the Treasury shall.charter. While the first part of the act declared these notes redeemable in coin."That upon demand of the holder of any of the Treasury notes herein provided for. redeem such notes in gold or silver coin at his discretion. The reader will notice how cunningly this redemption
. or at the office of any assistant treasurer of the United States. redeemable on demand. the last clause makes them redeemable in gold or silver coin. as it was embodied in the so-called Sherman law. they could be reissued. at the Treasury of the United States. In payment for the silver purchased. in coin. a subsequent clause of the same section provided.

could redeem the Treasury notes in either kind of coin. Many of the most valuable rights of man have been thrown away. That is the best law which leaves the least to the discretion of the authority appointed to execute it. The ablest writers on law have always pointed out the dangers of leaving the execution of laws subject to the discretion of those officers whose duty it is to carry them into effect. in his discretion. The Secretary of the Treasury was ordered to redeem the Treasury notes in gold or silver coin. by vesting too much authority in the discretion of those officials whose duty requires them to properly execute laws. not gold and silver coin.clause is worded. the Secretary of the Treasury. Hence. One other singular provision of this measure reads as follows: "It being the established policy of the United States to maintain the two metals on a parity with each other
.

First. Should the Secretary of the Treasury surrender his discretion of redeeming Treasury notes in gold or silver coin. and to demand the withdrawal and destruction of the greenbacks and Treasury notes.upon the present legal ratio. and had the act which authorized their issue made them redeemable in the silver dollars coined out of the bullion purchased under that law. Should this provision be construed against the United States. Second. this parity clause would subserve two distinct purposes. that the so-called Sherman law was ambiguously worded by its authors with the ultimate design of seriously impairing the value of silver. Silver would become a mere credit money redeemable in gold. the Government would become the guarantor of the value of the bullion in the standard silver dollar. 286 The clause does not say parity of the two coins. The Treasury notes issued under the law of 1890 were mere promissory notes payable on demand. This parity clause constituted the "endless chain" so graphically described by President Cleveland in his special message to Congress in August. It is unquestionable. This process of redemption in gold would give the national banking money power an opportunity to unsettle business by bringing on a panic. and the gold speculators of London and New York City could not have drained the Treasury of its gold reserve. However. or such ratio as may be provided by law. the large amount required under the pro287
." This language drew an invidious distinction between the coin and the metal of which it is composed. should its value be less than that in the gold dollar. the national banking money power. but metals. It wou1d convert every Treasury note into a vehicle for transferring the gold in the Treasury to the vaults of the national banks. 1893.

Windom was suddenly prostrated by an attack of apoplexy which proved fatal. Charles Foster. In speaking of these facts in his rcport of 1890. Mr. the Secretary of the Treasury attended a banquet at Net York City as the guest of the associated bankers. has unquestionably had much to do with the advance in the price of cereals. the national banks were planning to array their concentrated power against the issuance of the Treasury notes. of the Department of Agriculture. Consequently the prices of agricultural products were enhanced. and the consequent enhancement of the value of silver. Much of this advantage is lost by the appreciation of silver in those countries. Foster as Secretary of the Treasury. as his successor." Despite those ambiguities and inconsistencies that were embraced in the provisions of the socalled Sherman law. United States bonds were
. 1891. said: "The recent legislation looking to the restoration of the bi-metallic standard of our currency. So marked was this effect.vision of that act served to steady its bullion value. While in the act of delivering an address. reckoning that value from a gold basis. Soon after the introduction of the Windom Silver Bullion Purchase Bill. and had earned some reputation as an adroit politician. It is reasonable. the addition of the Treasury notes to the circulation had raised prices correspondingly in the United States Secretary Rust admitted the fact. of Ohio. therefore. 288 Hence. and wheat purchased with the cheaper metal was sold in Great Britain for gold. The near Secretary of the Treasury was a national banker. the issue of Treasury notes utilized to purchase the required amount of silver added many millions to the volume of money in circulation. Morcovcr. and in the same degree reduced their power of competition. Prior to the appointment of Mr. that President Harrison made special reference to the matter in his message in December. The President chose Hon. the control of which had temporarily escaped their grasp. Secretary Rusk. to expect much higher prices for wheat than have been received in recent years. The same cause has advanced the price of wheat in Russia and India. English gold was formerly exchanged for cheap silver. and which were craftily designed by its framers to cripple the coinage of silver as a medium of exchange. and the power of Russian and Indian competition in the wheat markets of the world was measurably reduced.

000. Notwithstanding these facts the necessary gold could not be drawn from the Rank of England by Austria to effect her funding operations. the national banking money popover of the East had matured a plan to sell its bonds at a high premium. and greenbacks.-000 into gold bonds. The purpose of this combination was two-fold. In the meantime. at the first attempt of the latter to obtain gold in London. gold must be secured somewhere to execute the mandates of the money kings of Europe.rapidly rising in value until they were worth from 25 to 29 per cent above par. the bankers would gain this great premium by the redemption of their bonds. were hoarding up gold. While the syndicates of Europe were engaged in 289 carrying out their schemes against Austria. The Bank of England held immense reserves of gold.000. the financiers of Austria had concluded to fund the bonds of that country into gold obligations. a process which would have netted them a profit ranging from 25 to 29 cents on the dollar. During this time. a demand mould be made by them for the issue of net bonds to replenish the gold reserve. These bonds would be purchased by the same clique who had sold the former bonds and gained millions by the operation. the banks of New York City. To effect these funding operations. as a next step. and this redemption would result in draining the Treasury of its gold. and other financia1 centers of the East. was for the purpose of embarrassing the Treasury of the United States. Treasury notes of the issue of 1890. a policy to which they were forced by the Rothchilds who had her by the throat. this great bank would immediately raise its price.000.400. a practice to which it had always resorted to prevent the exportation of gold from England.
. Boston. The object of this combined action of the Eastern national banks. for. in the first place. While these banks were engaged in this operation. the bond-holding syndicates of Europe had united to force Austro-Hungary to convert her immense debt of $2. the Bank of France had yet far more. Russia had a vast treasure exceeding $500. in thus hoarding up these various kinds of money. which was a part of the scheme to handcuff the whole civilized world to the single standard of gold.

Neither could it be obtained from the Bank of France. which provided that the Secretary of the Treasury should redeem the treasury notes of 1890 in gold or silver coin at his discretion. The Bank of France was under rigid supervision of the Government. and had imbibed large quantities of sparkling champagne." But one great obstacle lay in the way of withdrawing gold from the Treasury for export. was the sole barrier in the path leading to the Treasury of the United States. a fact of which they boasted. These banks had hoarded up more than $200. whose charter forbade it to pay out more than 290 five per cent in gold for export at any one time. the only source of supply of gold. After these distinguished patriots had feasted themselves on the costliest viands of the season. these financiers called upon the
. or option. or right. and again the Mountain journeyed to Mohammed. as that Empire would not pay out a single ruble in gold. not its master. was that stored up in the United States Treasury and in the banks of New York City. of this Government to redeem its treasury notes in either gold or silver coin was vested in the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury. 1890. They would not pay out a dollar of their immense holdings of this coin. a grand banquet was given at the Delmonico restaurant by the New York bankers. Hence. and that was embraced in section e of the Sherman law of July 14. and Mr. The immense accumulations of gold in Russia were unassailable. as it would be utilized by them to buy up any bonds that might be issued to maintain that absurd thing known as the "gold reserve.000 of gold. to which resort could be had by Austria.000. The option. This discretion. Foster was invited to attend as the special guest of the occasion 291 The Secretary accepted the generous hospitality of these financiers. and it was the servant of the French Republic. With the object of ascertaining the policy of Secretary Foster.

inspired by these representatives of great wealth. commands me to preserve the parity of gold and silver. and the present hundred millions of gold. gold certificates. public and private.
. receivable for all public dues. exclusive of subsidiary silver. and to increase. and could be reissued by the Government. Second. They were redeemable in gold coin alone. and an understanding was had between the money power of the United States and Europe. or the Reserve Fund. that the national banks of Net York City would supply the Treasury notes necessary to deplete the Treasury of its gold. gathered around the festal board. 292 These bank presidents at once communicated the decision of Secretary Foster to their allies in Europe. 1890. and the offer of the one was accepted by the other. at the banquet table of these Belshazzars of New York City. were to be called out or intrenched upon.: First. it would be within the Secretary's power to issue bonds for gold up to five per cent and to replace or increase that Reserve Fund.000. The interests of the financiers of the East and of Europe were identical. Secretary Foster transferred the option of the Government to redeem its notes in gold or silver to that horde of money lords." Thus. with unlimited legal tender for all debts of every kind. there were eight varieties of money in circulation in the United States. The act of July 14. then and there declared that he would redeem the Treasury notes and greenbacks in gold. and therefore should there be any trouble about this. Gold certificates were the paper representatives of the gold as a more convenient form of that coin. and that he would persevere in that policy.honorable Secretary to state his position upon the redemption of the treasury notes and greenbacks. At the time of this Delmonico banquet. the presidents of the associated national banks of New York City. It has always been the custom of this country to pay its obligations in gold. The Secretary said: "The Resumption Act confers authority upon the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds to any extent that he may be called upon to do. not legal tender. maintain. but could be counted as part of the national bank reserves. via. and buoyed up by the elevating influence of the champagne furnished by these money kings. and their denominations ranged from $20 to $10. or decrease his gold reserve. limited to the amount of gold deposited in the Treasury. and copper coins. nickel. He was also requested to define his actual powers with reference to issuing bonds to maintain the gold reserve The eminent Secretary. gold coin.

Sixth.000.000 to $10. of full legal tender for all debts. could bc counted as part of the national bank reserves. their denominations ranged from $1 to $1. Under the redemption features of the national bank law. not legal tender. printed by the Government. but could be counted as part 293 of bank reserves. not receivable by the Government for taxes. Eighth. receivable for all taxes due the United States and exchangeable for silver certificates. limited to ninety per cent of the United States bonds deposited therefor in the Treasury. except duties on imports and interest on the public debt. by which national bank notes were
. unlimited legal tender for all debts. the coinage of which since 1878 had been limited. unless otherwise specified in the contract. unlimited legal tender. United States notes. Si1ver dollars. legal tender for payment of debts to national banks. National bank notes. Treasury notes of 1890. Seventh. receivable for all dues by the United States. known as greenbacks. exchangeable for all kinds of money except gold certificates. public and private. and given to national banks. except where otherwise specified in the contract.681. except interest on the public debt and redemption of currency. Their denominations ranged from $5. redeemable in coin in sums of $50 and upwards at the subtreasuries of New York City and San Francisco.000. redeemable in coin in sums of not less than $50 at the United States Treasury and the various sub-treasuries.-106. not legal tender. Their denominations were the same as silver certificates. issued for the purchase of silver under the Sherman law. limited by amount of United States notes deposited therefor. Their denominations are the same as United States notes with the exception of one and two dollar notes. limited to the amount of silver dollars deposited in the Treasury by their holders. redeemable in lawful money at the issuing bank and at the Treasury.Third. Silver certificates. exchangeable for United States notes. their volume limited by the law of 1878 to $346. redeemable in silver dollars alone. Fifth. The denominations were identical with those of the silver certificates. are legal tender for payments by 294 the United States. receivable for all dues by the Government. Fourth. for dues to the United States except duties on imports. redeemable in that money at the sub-treasury where issued. Currency certificates.

730. payable in gold. Therefore. and this scheme of converting these bank notes into government demand obligations. 295 This explanation of the various kinds of coin and currency is given here to afford the reader a view of the means by which the money power geared up that "endless chain. and pass it to the control of the foreign and domestic gold gamblers.530 in premiums." and converted every greenback.000.redeemable in greenbacks. but for which was paid $86. In that conglomerate mass of crudities. The bankers of New York City at once responded. the face value of which was $75.266.
. and bank note into budgets that were attached to this chain to dip the gold from the Treasury. The amount of prepaid interest was $12.828.438. a profit to the bankers of $10. these bank notes were in reality redeemable in gold at the Treasury of the United States. Such was the heterogeneous mass of the various kinds of coin and currency afloat in the nation. On his return to Washington. and this latter currency could bc immediately presented for redemption in gold. the great necromancer of American finance. these bank notes mere really redeemable in gold. This system of finance was planned and adopted for the sole benefit of the national banks. Thc total amount donated to the New York banks by this quondam Secretary of the Treasury in the way of prepaid interest and premium on bonds was $29.000.200. as it furnished them with the means of discriminating against the government issues of currency. To John Sherman.009. belongs the credit of originating this combative and incongruous state of currency. We except the silver dollar. the machinery necessary to operate the "endless chain" upon the gold reserve can be easily seen when taken in connection with the parity clause of the Sherman law. and in seventy-five days the Secretary purchased bonds. The Secretary also advanced interest to the bond-holders nine months before it was due. as construed by such eminent financiers as Charles Poster and Secretary Carlisle. The circulating notes of national banks could be presented to the Treasury Department for redemption in greenbacks. Secretary Poster issued a circular inviting proposals for the purchase of bonds by the Government. was systematically worked by the national banks.951. treasury note.

now saw themselves in a position in which they determined to measure their strength against that of the Government.000 of the public funds without interest. made this scheme comparatively easy of execution. franchise upon franchise. The money kings of Europe.000.Gratuity upon gratuity. Secretary Foster. would exert their immense power to bankrupt tens of thousands of business men. who had transferred the purse of the Government into the hands of these money kings. and who. The national banks of New York City. He became a bankrupt during that great panic of 1893. before long we will 296 see them turn upon and rend the very hand that conferred these immense pecuniary benefits upon them. of which he was scarcely able to pay ten per cent on the dollar. received the tremendous sum of nearly $70. which was brought on by the concerted action of the very men who dined and wined him at Delmonico's in 1891. they laughed in his face. the latter to force an issue of bonds and a suspension of silver coinage under the Sherman law. the money power matured their plans to raid the gold reserve in the United States Treasury. from 1885 to 1892. as publicly announced by Secretary Foster. The construction of the Sherman law.000. 297
. have been heaped upon the richest men of the nation. a gratuitous loan of $65. prepaid interest to the amount of tens of millions. joined their forces to consummate a common purpose. His liabilities exceeded $1.000. In his extremities. and the national banking money power. throw out of employment hundreds of thousands of working men. At first these money kings fawned at the feet of the Government for special privileges. After the Delmonico episode. the former to obtain gold out of the Treasury and sell it at a premium to Austria. which.000 in premiums on the bonds held by them. the very men who caused panic after panic. and force the entire nation into a condition of want and misery that was appalling. met with what might be termed retribution for his cowardly surrender to the banking power. he was mercilessly driven to the wall. he called upon his New York banker friends for aid.000. before many months would elapse.

and from whom they received those valuable franchises which earned them billions of dollars. a leading journal of New York City interviewed Assistant Treasurer Roberts with reference to this transaction. Ickelheimer & Co. It would furnish the gold. 298 It will be asked. The initial step was now taken.
. It would drain the Treasury of its gold. Mr. presented $1. deliberately conspire to embarrass the Treasury of the United States? First. the firm of Heidelbach. which would serve as a basis for the continuance of the national banking system. Jewish bankers of New York City.. in which he declared that he would pay out gold in the redemption of treasury notes and greenbacks. Because it brought to the aid of these banks the most powerful concentration of capital in the world. On this fact becoming known. Without any hesitation. and the speculators obtaining it would dispose of it at a premium. Second. On the 15th of August. Roberts was asked what steps had been taken by the administration to obstruct or prevent the exportation of gold. the Assistant Treasurer gave notice that the Treasury stood ready to furnish all the gold required by the gold gamblers and foreign bond syndicates necessary to place Austria upon a gold standard. why did those national banks who owed their very existence to the Government. while they were assisting the foreign gold speculators in their efforts to drain the Treasury. whose interests were identical with those of the national banks.The way was now clear for this combined money power to execute its purpose. The Government stands ready to meet all its obligations in gold and will pay them in gold. and the issue of bonds to obtain gold.000 in treasury notes at the subtreasury in that city. 1892. Assistant Treasurer Roberts gave this firm the required gold. agents of a foreign syndicate. and this mould force an issue of long-time interest bearing bonds.000. was a part of the concerted scheme to force the repeal of the Sherman law of 1890. and demanded gold for them." In this interview. and stated that they wanted this gold for shipment abroad. These banks were accumulating gold to buy those bonds. During the course of the interview. Thus the promise which the associated bankers of New York City had extorted from Secretary Foster. He replied: "No steps have been taken by the administration to prevent or obstruct the export of gold.

The motion was agreed to by a vote of 34 yeas to 29 nays. Senate bill 4675 being the substitute offered by Mr. 1891. and transferred that highest element of sovereignty to the bullion brokers of the world. Sixth. whereupon it was referred to the Coinage Committee. replacing the Force Bill. On January 15. On January 14. Vest. and the sole legal tender would be gold alone. 1891. made an adverse report on the measure and no further action was had on the bill. and demand its redemption in gold to "Maintain the parity of the metals. the same Senator moved a free coinage amendment to this bill. The amendment was agreed to by a vote of 42 yeas to 30 nays. In a report of the Committee on Coinage on one of these measures. It afforded the banks the opportunity of demanding the permanent withdrawal from circulation and the consequent destruction of $500. which virtually demonetized silver. Stewart moved to consider Senate bill 4675. which. Fourth. treasury notes. It enabled the national banks to obtain a construction of the parity clause of the Sherman 1am. which went to the Senate. which had been laid aside up to that time.000. The whole volume of government legal tender notes. It virtually deprived the Federal Government of its constitutional power to fix the value of money. and that was agreed to by a vote of 39 yeas to 27 nays.000 in treasury notes and greenbacks. came up in the House of Representatives. On January 5. 1891." Fifth. 299 Seventh. Mr. 1891. silver dollars. the House of Representatives had passed the iniquitous Force Bill. providing for the free
. and silver certificates would become mere credit money. this currency to bc supplanted by an equal issue of national bank notes donated outright to those institutions. In the meantime.Third. The national banks could point to the silver dollar as depreciated coin. Mr. on February 21. Vest then offered a free and unlimited coinage provision as a substitute.

1891. and opposed the free coinage of silver. Senator Sherman introduced a bill to repeal the purchasing clause of the law of July 14. Some of these journals published daily statements of the amount of gold taken out of the country. the foreign gold speculators persevered in draining the Treasury of its gold for shipment abroad. 1890.000. corporation or association controlling vast aggregations of capital. and various other kindred organizations comprising nearly 4. December 3. Atkinson's statement Mr. 1892. Foster meekly obeyed. the press of New York City was issuing startling reports of the financial condition of the Treasury. the character of those who appeared before this committee at hearings given by it. and demanded that Secretary Poster replenish the gold reserve by an issue of bonds. While this process was being carried on. and on the 23d of February. the duly accredited agent of the Knights of Labor." 300 With reference to those who mere advocating free coinage the report says: "Upon the other hand. directing him to prepare
. stepped forward and laid on the table the petition of these toiling millions. it may not be out of place for us to mention the circumstance by way of contrast. 1893. praying for the free coinage of silver." In his message to Congress. is thus described: "Almost every man who appeared in opposition to free coinage was a president or some other executive officer of some bank. "In addition to this it is proper for us to call attention to the farther fact that the great organization known as the Farmers' Alliance has adopted a demand for the free coinage of silver as the cardinal feature of its creed. he issued 301 a written order to the Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. some great insurance company or other firm.000 voters." On July 14. President Harrison opposed free coinage. and gave his reasons for it in the following language: "I am still of the opinion that free coinage of silver under existing conditions would disastrously effect our business interests at home and abroad. In the latter part of 1892 and in the months of January and February. Dunning.coinage of silver. that at the conclusion of Mr. 1893. Mr.

makes the 302 total indebtedness of the people of the United States reach the grand aggregate of thirty-two billion dollars.000 had been paid on the principal. Frederic Waite said: "Last year. The order to prepare the plates for bonds became known to President Harrison.450.000.000.000. On hearing of the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds. In 1866.756.000. Up to the early part of 1893.000. after turning the scale at eight thousand millions.
. In speaking of the enormous mortgage and other indebtedness of the West and South in 1890. making a total payment of $4. the national debt was $2.000 were paid in premiums.000 of bonds did not materialize at this time.000. President Harrison graciously intended that the incoming administration of President Cleveland should bear the odium of increasing the national debt in time of peace." Congressman Walker.plates for the printing of bonds. Last September it amounted to nineteen thousand seven hundred millions.000.000o." So the proposed issue of $100. the bond-holders were receiving from twenty-five to twenty-nine per cent. the mortgage indebtedness continued its upward flight. the payments of interest were $2. The amount due in 1893 was $1. and it was countermanded by him.027. It will be instructive to institute a comparison between the financial condition of the producers of the country with that of the bond-holding class.-000.538. of Massachusetts. While the producers were being eaten up by usury.352.000. "In a word. or nearly four times the increase in the true value of real estate.750. $58. an increase of thirteen thousand millions in the short period of twelve years. in 1880. premium on their bonds. and he stated that this was a "debt-paying administration. the gold value of which at that time did not exceed $1.100. but $6. the bankers of New York City formed a syndicate for the purchase of the proposed issue. $1.000.000. not being contented with an increase of 220 per cent.783.000.000. the total net private indebtedness of the American people equaled. and this residue of the debt would purchase more of the products of labor than the original amount.

000 bushels of wheat at the price it then brought.988. as the panacea for the ills now seriously affecting all industries. 14. In 1867. according to the New York World Almanac. Those who are wedded to the delusive idea of pro303 tection.352. must bear in mind that this frightful condition of the producer sprung up under the highest tariff laws since 1861. This after $4.251. $1. In 1893 at the price for which cotton sold.000. After this vast amount of interest. principal and premium was applied on this debt as stated above.000o bales of cotton would have paid the total debt. Such were the results of that British scheme of finance which was fastened on the American people.900. The profits of the national banking money power. it would require 2.586.600 bales of that product to pay the remainder of the debt.In 1865 the entire debt could have been paid with 1.007.081. it would require 34.054.000 bushels to pay the residue of the debt in 1893. from 1872 to 1891.
To Chapter IX To the Table of Contents
.000 were paid thereon.184.000. on its circulating notes donated to it by the Government were.

your brain and brawn and energy. Let us protect all in life. and then say to every American citizen.500. and that this financial system dates from the year 1816. with the gifts that God has given you. It was heretofore stated. fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake.000
. and succeeding years. "Let us found a Government where there shall be no extremely rich men and no abjectly poor ones. Her colonial possessions are immense.
"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me.The Coming Battle
304 CHAPTER IX.000. except that of India. England is the most wonderful country on the face of the earth. all of which enjoy some degree of self-government. Let us found a Government upon the intelligence of the people and the equitable distribution of property. we will direct some attention to the silver agitation in Great Britain in 1892. MONEY POWER OF ENGLAND AND UNITED STATES COMBINED TO ANNIHILATE SILVER. since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government.Thomas Jefferson.George Washington. which is gov305 erned exclusively by a Viceroy appointed by the home Government.000 square miles. work out your own fortunes under a jest Government and equal larva" . For the purpose of enabling the reader to thoroughly understand the nature of the events that would take place in 1893. In many respects. Let us make laws where there shall be no governmental partnership with favored classes. that Great Britain was the first nation to adopt a single standard of gold. liberty. India has an area of 1." . inhabited by a population numbering 285. and property.

In 1875. her shipments of wheat steadily grew in magnitude. which action caused a tremendous fall in the bullion value of that metal. the following year 5. and the greater the fall of silver. but the latter country became the most dangerous competitor of the United States in the wheat and cotton market of the world. she exported ll. and her manufactures of cotton goods developed very rapidly. In 1866. During the succeeding years.900. this had increased annually until 1889. In 1891. the production of cheat in India was very small. the production of wheat and cotton in India was insignificant. and cotton yarn 1. cotton piece goods 243 per cent. the first fifty bales of cotton yarn werc shipped from Bombay.000.000. India exported 1. The gold price of wheat fell enormously.of industrious people. from 1876 to 1887.
.000 pounds.000. when its exportation reached 65. India was on a silver standard. the number of spindles 105 per cent. until they reached the enormous total of 59. and the growth of the trade was not very rapid until 1874. in306 creased 100 per cent.058 per cent. Not only did this develop the resources of India. The demonetization of silver by the United States operated as an export bounty on the products of India.000 bushels in 1891. the more beneficial to the wheat and cotton growers of that Oriental country. Prior to 1874. Prior to June 25. With the demonetization of silver by the United States in the year mentioned.000. the production of wheat and cotton in India commenced on a large scale.000. and her manufactures of cotton fabrics were in their infancy.000 pounds of cotton yarn. the exports of cotton yarn from India were 165. but within five years after the demonetization of silver by the United States. Her remarkable growth in this direction was owing solely to the demonetization of silver by the United States and other nations. The number of cotton mills. Her exportations of raw cotton increased at the same ratio. Before the United States demonetized silver in 1873.000 pounds.000 bushels. 1893.000 pounds.

They say: "We are not insensible to the fact that facilities for production are habitually increasing. in our opinion. sufficient to account for the abnormal fall in prices. but.
. and the other six bi-metallists." The process by which the depreciation of silver built up the industries of India at the expense of those of the gold standard countries was apparent. But these factors have always been in operation since the world began. the commission said: 307 "In India. and the cost of production is constantly becoming less.The silver coins of India were of unlimited legal tender debt-paying power. This its especially true of the silver coins of India. six of whom were adherents of the gold standard. Since 1873. the same number of rupees will no longer exchange for the same amount of gold as formerly. they are not. the history of prices proves that the purchasing power of silver over commodities has been practically unimpaired. She had no gold coinage. On page 95 of its final report. composed of twelve of the ablest financiers of England. although it has fallen largely in relation to gold. that is stable. This commission unanimously reported that the purchasing power of the rupee continued unimpaired. We have no evidence to show that silver has undergone any material change in relation to commodities. This commission made an exhaustive examination into the cause leading to the fall of the gold price of silver. they will purchase as much of any commodity or commodities in India as they did before." In a separate report. and only since that time. in the opinion of nearly all the witnesses whom me have examined. the purchasing power of the rupee continues unimpaired and the prices of commodities measured in silver remain practically the same. and while we recognize their tendency to depress the prices of commodities. This fact was shown by the British Gold and Silver Commission of F885. which has been apparent since the rapture of the bi-metallic par. six of these commissioners made use of the following language as an answer that falling prices result from facilities for production. in other words. and that the prices of commodities measured in silver remained practically the same in that country. so far as we can judge.

20 per bushel. With this cheap silver. and an ex-mayor of London. the wheat merchant would find it more profitable to buy Indian wheat at $1. a member of Parliament. The reason was obvious. he ascertained that his gold would not purchase any more of her products than an equal amount of silver expressed at a ratio of fifteen and one half to one. This bullion. the rate of exchange against her would be equal to the depreciation existing between her silver compared to the gold of the nation from whom she would purchase. said: "That the effect of the depreciation of silver must finally be the rain of the wheat and cotton industries of America. a banker. and be the development of India as the chief wheat and cotton exporter of the world. To illustrate: Suppose a merchant of Bombay or Calcutta proceeded to England and purchased goods to the amount of 100. than to purchase the same product in the United States paying therefor 75 or 80 cents per bushel reckoned on a gold basis. she manufactured more largely for herself.000. Therefore. the English rejoiced at the blow which was thus dealt to American commerce. In a few years after the demonetization of silver by the United States. If the price of silver in London was 65 cents per ounce." At the same time that the export trade of India grew so rapidly. as the standard of value there is gold.000 sovereigns. He would find it necessary to convert his silver rupees into exchange on London. to pay for the goods.000 ounces of silver bullion.When the London merchant went to India to buy wheat and cotton. Poller. ship this silver to India and purchase the 308 wheat and cotton of that country. Sir Robert N. would be worth the mint price of $1. with this he could purchase 20. the English merchant would buy exchange on the United States to the amount of $13. in order to obtain the gold. and purchase cheap silver with it. when shipped to India. held in London in 1886. Should she attempt to import foreign manufactured goods from gold standard countries. and the result would be that he would lose the difference between the bullion
. it would require 309 gold coin for the payment of them. the English merchant would send his gold to the United States. At a meeting of the British and colonial Chambers of Commerce.33 per ounce.

England would be the greatest sufferer should India continue on a silver standard." The great cotton manufactures of the latter nation were steadily losing ground in China. it would unite the 310 Western Hemisphere and the silver using countries of Asia into a great commercial anion. These fears were well expressed in a very significant editorial in the London Standard. Japan.First. than the moat rigid protective tariff laws ever enacted.
. second. Those nations on a silver basis would trade with each other.value of the silver compared with that of gold. the population of which by far exceeded that of the gold standard countries. These two conclusions were fully borne out by subsequent events. It is a great danger to which the present outburst of alarm and Sear must not render England oblivious. with Japan and China and Java . The great Oriental nations purchased immense quantities of manufactured goods from India. if the United States should declare for free coinage of silver. and other Oriental countries. they were gained by colonial India. while there was a great falling off in the sales of the same class of merchandise heretofore supplied by England. This would stimulate home manufactures in silver using countries. a result that would end in making the United States the greatest commercial and manufacturing nation on earth. Consequently. would eagerly respond and all the states of South America and Mexico. The statesmen and financiers of the latter entertained grave fears. and throwing over gold as too dear. in restricting foreign importations into silver standard countries. now hard-hit. and as those valuable markets were lost to England. that. This difference in the loss of exchange would operate more effectively. that is those nations on a silver basis. What if the two American continents held out the hand to Asia and said: 'Let us have the white metal for our standard.in fact the whole mighty East (which cares little for Simla).' Chile. this loss of exchange would be an insurmountable obstacle in the way of his silver standard country purchasing from that which was on a gold basis. which add: "What if the United States should now join Mexico in declaring for the free coinage of silver. Another very important effect of the disparity between the value of gold and silver in the commercial intercourse of nations would be as follows: .

It is possible this will be done at the present session of Congress. with instructions to take evidence upon the advisability of closing the Indian mints to the free coinage of silver. were semi-officially notified that the sole law providing for the coinage of silver in the United States would bc repealed in the near future. said: "The United States has seriously taken into consideration the idea of repealing the Silver Purchase Act of 1890. will be repealed. a colleague of Mr. a commission was appointed by the Secretary of State for India. the two political parties as well as the great bankers of New York have advised this repeal. If not this session. Ex-Governor McCreary. 1892. which undoubtedly proves that there was an understanding between the money power of England and that of the United States. said: "Speaking for myself only. we refer to the following circumstance: During the sitting of the Herschell Commission." The foreign nations gathered at Brussels. Cannon. therefore. now in force in my country. the cheap wheat of India was invading the markets of England. an international monetary conference was in session at Brussels The United States was represented at this gathering of the nations. McCreary. it is more than probable that America will 312
. I believe it will certainly be repealed at the next session of Congress. As a striking coincidence. in a speech upon silver. having for its object the annihilation of silver as money. Senator Sherman introduced a bill in the United States Senate to repeal the silver purchasing clause of the so-called Sherman law. to the immense loss of the wealthy landed nobility of the mother country. I express the opinion that the silver law known as the act of 1890. and the president of the Chase National Bank in New York City. These two powerful interests combined in a memorial to the British Parliament. at that time the only law recognizing silver in this country.Moreover. As further proof that the national banking power of America had united with the capitalists of England against the use of silver as money. and if during this conference some arrangement is not attained. that in a few days after the appointment of the commission to investigate free coinage of silver in India. and on April 22. one of the American representatives. 311 we point to the fact. Henry W.

000.000. she would be enabled 313 to obtain her supplies much cheaper on a single standard of gold. Amid the boisterous cheers of the House of Commons. South Africa. Gladstone eulogized his country as the greatest creditor nation on the face of the globe. she strove to provide employment for her dense population. providing employment for 350." Thus the people of the United States were again betrayed by their delegates to this conference. Mr. At the time this commission was appointed to investigate the effects of free coinage of silver in India upon the British cotton export trade.000 ounces of silver at the market price. England occupied a commanding position as the great creditor nation of the world. She aspires to monopolize the trade of Asia. Her income from her merchant marine aggregates $400. and South America. It is almost impossible to grasp the immense extent of her commercial power. and increasing the purchasing power thereof. her aggregate holdings of stocks.000! Her colonies of Australia. In a speech in the British Parliament. we might say the United States. it me the policy of England to enhance the exchange power of gold.000.000 per annum. he declared that Great Britain was the creditor of other nations in a sum not less than $10.of the steamships afloat on the ocean. and by supplying these people with the products of her manufactures. Africa. than under an universal bimetallic system. England owns more than three fourths . and Vancouver had risen to be the greatest gold producing regions of modern times. and other forms of public and private indebtedness run into the billions.000.not continue disposed to buy annually 54. and nearly one half of the sailing fleet of the world.
.000 seamen. bonds. Moreover. her imports greatly exceeded the value of her exports Her imports of raw materials and bread stuffs far exceeded that of any other nation. and by limiting the world's volume of money.nearly four fifths . and the Herschell Commission received notice that the United States was opposed to silver. as she was the great creditor and the great gold producing nation of the present day. Australia alone had long surpassed California. in the extent and richness of her gold resources Hence. securities.

and that the low price of English wheat resulted from Indian competition. agricultural. the year that silver was demonetized by the United States. of Manchester. meanwhile in the large class of goods made of Indian cottons. "The quantities are given in pounds weight. Here are comparisons of the English and Indian exports of cotton yarn. India will on the present footing beat Lancashire everywhere. in which it was pointed out that the rise in the price of gold. Abraham Haworth." It then proceeds to give statistics showing that from 1876 to 1881. and this formed a barrier to the extension of her trade and commerce. cotton goods valued at $38. Hence the appointment of this commission at the head of which was Lord Herschell.560. Upon the organization of this commission it proceeded to take evidence relating to the cause of the decline of the British cotton trade in the Asiatic countries. and exports to China and other silver countries. the manufacturing. grew. Hongkong.000. Many of the leading cotton manufacturers appeared before this body. and beats them morc as the divergence between the metals widens. it made a report to Parliament.The Asiatic and the South American nations were chiefly on a silver basis. and the resulting depreciation of silver.From
. which have for some time been supplied annually to the Economist by Mr. They show how the product of silver wages beats the product of gold wages. and creditor classes of Great Britain demanded relief at the hands of the British Parliament. in pounds. England annually exported to China a and Japan. and continues growing fast and steadily. Upon the conclusion of its investigations. but ultimately in any material.641. The contrast between the stationary quantities from England and the rapid expansion of the Indian export indicates plainly a sad future for Lancashire trade if gold wages there must continue competing with silver wages in foreign markets. felt at once the stimulus supplied by the difference in exchange. to China. with English machinery to supply India itself. Hence. and they pointed to the fact that the cotton manufacturers of India were securing the control of those markets heretofore supplied by the mills and factories of Lancashire. had built up a large cotton-spinning trade in India. and Japan.000. India exported only $19. a large cotton-spinning trade. beginning in 1873. began previously in India. The report says: "Soon after the rise of gold began in 1873. It prospered rapidly. and gave valuable testimony with 314 reference to the causes of the depression existing in the cotton manufactures of England.

through which her means of payment were proportionately increased.000.800 worth of cotton manufactures. 316 she would lose the difference between the bullion value of silver and that of gold.800 against $114.400.1882 to 1887. based on an exhaustive investigation into the causes of the decline of the British cotton trade.600 worth of cotton goods. The colonial manufacturers had taken away the market in Japan and China.800 to $145.200 of these cotton goods.766.319. England exported to China and Japan $38. although there was considerable opposition to his candidacy.641. while the exportations of India to these two countries increased from $71. the an315 nual exportations of England had fallen off to $33. to the English manufacturer and the English merchant. for.
. and it was time for the English merchants to stop this rivalry. the former would naturally trade with each other to the exclusion of the latter.720.000.300 the preceding year. During the sittings of this commission.642.682.057.300 in 1888. that owing to the loss of exchange which would accrue to silver standard countries trading with those on a gold basis. to $114. But for this loss. demonstrated that the continued depreciation of the gold price of silver acted as a rigid protective tariff against the manufactures of gold standard England. she was amply compensated by the immense growth of her trade and manufactures.000 in 1887. while India had increased from $19. In 1889. For the third time Grover Cleveland obtained the Democratic nomination for President.707. the United States was in the midst of the presidential campaign of 1892. The child had outgrown the parent. the Indian export increased from $126. and it was necessary to do away with silver in order that the monopoly of this Eastern trade might go back where it had originally been. England sent to China and Japan $44. In 1890.000 to $71. in the same year. England sent to China and Japan $35. In the meantime. by conversion of her silver coin into British sterling exchange drawn to discharge these obligations.766. The only loss that would accrue to India was in those cases in which she owed debts to England. As he had thrown down the gauntlet to the highly protected manufacturing interests in his message of 1887. he was regarded as the leader of his party. The conclusions of this commission. and India sold $126.319.112.707. and. In 1888.

one of whom in a single year received the great sum of $464. the national banking money power began to lay plans to force the country upon a single standard of gold. a national banker. The term "makeshift" in the sense in which it was useful.000 as his share of the sugar bounty. and it seemed poetic justice that he should measure strength with his opponent of 1888.In the election of 1888. successfully endeavored to array the Grand Army of the Republic against the continued purchase and coinage of silver. and to replenish the gold reserve of the United States Treasury. The Republican convention re-nominated President Harrison and endorsed the McKinley tariff law. Harter. Cleveland was elected by an immense majority of the electoral vote. by which the sugar growers of Louisiana and Vermont received large sums of money from the general Government for their sugar product. "As the culminating atrocity" of tariff legislation. Congressman Harter. introduced a bill in the House providing for the unconditional repeal of the Silver Purchase law. and that this was the reason why a law of that character was adopted by the Fifty-first Congress . meant that it was an obstacle to the free coinage of silver. To add to the clamor against the silver dollar. He secured lists of the members of the various posts throughout
. a member of Congress from Ohio." and demanded its repeal. This inured to the benefit of a few millionaire sugar planters. Immediately after the election of Mr. Mr. On December 6. The Democratic platform severely denounced the McKinley tariff law of 1890.which became odious as the "billion-dollar Congress. and his plurality of the popular vote over President Harrison was more than three hundred thousand. and to increase the volume of their circulating notes. 317 One of the most iniquitous features of this measure was the sugar bounty clause. 1892. Mr. The Democratic platform denounced the Sherman Silver Purchasing law as "A cowardly makeshift. he had received a large plurality of the popular vote. Cleveland. Senator Sherman admitted that this law was designed solely for the purpose of defeating the free coinage of silver. during the debate upon the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law." In 1893.

Mr. informing these veterans that 318 their pensions would be paid in "seventy-cent dollars. 319 in the meantime. The Indian Government is alleged to be contemplating an immediate change of the silver standard to gold. This was a part of the program of the money power. The money power of England and America struck hands. the great journals in the financial centers of the country began a crusade for the gold standard." On the same day. thus inspired.1892. Circular letters. There is a belief that the india Council will refrain from mating sales below some minimum.the country. Democratic Senators and members of Congress received thousands of these letters from their constituents. and formed a compact to utterly annihilate silver as a money metal everywhere. werc mailed by him to many thousands of pensioners. editorially said: -
. and that this country was apparently in sympathy with the financial policy of England. but more particularly addressed himself to those that mere situated in Democratic Congressional districts. Harter with the constituents of other members of Congress received scathing rebukes on the Boors of Congress. Upon the appearance of the Harter bill in the House of Representatives. of Massachusetts. in which it was stated. "That the silver question is still paramount. the same Journal published a cablegram from London. December 8. requesting them to vote for a single standard of gold. On December 9th. the Chicago Tribune. brought forward a bill for the unconditional repeal of the purchase clause. the bankers of London cabled to the New York Evening Post. Williams." and requesting them to join in memorials to their Representatives in Congress to vote for the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. " On December 9th. printed by the Government. the news that "The belief is slightly growing that India will assume a gold standard sooner or later. and it practically served notice on the Herschell Commission that the United States would cease the further coinage of silver. This outrageous interference of Mr.

and based its conclusions largely upon the effect of a repeal of the purchasing clause by the United States. was speedily transmitted to England. seeking to repeal the sole law that in anywise recognized silver as a money metal. Fears have been and are entertained that there may come to be a premium on gold. The report stated: "Moreover. and asserted that the passage of any such bill would result in a great depredation of that metal."Let the Sherman act of July 14. In its report the commission referred to these bills. a strong agitation exists in the United States with respect to the law now in force providing for the purchase of silver." 320 Is it not self-evident. In its report the Herschell Commission says: -
. with a view to influence the Herschell Commission against the continued coinage of silver in India? The proposed action of the United States me strongly urged as a reason why the mints of India should be closed to free coinage. In Eng1and. made by the advocates of a single standard of gold in the United States. and while the American press was clamoring for the passage of those bills which would entirely cut off the further coinage of silver. this commission pointed to the efforts made in Congress to cut off the further coinage of silver as an indication of hostility toward that metal. the Herschell Commission was in session. be repealed at once without waiting for an extra session. Every movement. or proposed movement. speedily became known to the Herschell Commission. 1890. and strong pressure has been brought to bear upon the Government of that country with a view to bring about an alteration of that law. looking to the complete downfall of silver. and which consequently steadied its bullion value. that these various bills to repeal the purchasing clause were brought forward in Congress at this time. The introduction of these various bills." During this time that these various repeal measures were introduced into the House of Representatives.

1890. Senator McPherson introduced a joint resolution in the Senate. McPherson's request the bill was printed and laid upon the table. the House of Representatives was strongly Democratic."In December last a bill was introduced in the Senate to repeal the Sherman Act." In the meantime President-elect Cleveland attempted to influence Congress to repeal the Sherman law. the repeal of the 321 Sherman Law was impossible as long as no better silver measure was proposed as a substitute for this "cowardly makeshift. consequently. and that any such measures will pass into law it is impossible to foretell. the Chicago Tribune said: "His remarks will be listened to with great interest. the gold standard advocates of America were pointing to the probable closing down of the mints of India to the free coinage of silver as a reason for repealing the Silver Purchasing law of July 14. it is certainly probable that the repeal of the Sherman Act would be followed by a heavy fall in silver."
. being regarded as the unofficial expression of the views of the President-elect. In this way the money power of England and the United States played into the hands of each other. which was asserted would result from the probable repeal of the Sherman Law by the United States. but it must be regarded as possible. Upon Mr. ascertain the sentiments of Democratic members of Congress upon the silver question. At this time.1890." While the people of England were being frightened by the bogy of depreciated silver. and. to be called up by him at some future time after the holiday recess With reference to the action of this Senator. and although in the light of past experience. 1892. and to mate known to these Senators and Representatives that he desired the speedy repeal of the Sherman law. On December 21. predictions on such a' subject must be made with caution. authorizing and directing the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend all purchases of silver bullions as provided for in the first section of the act of July 14. He delegated Josiah Quincy as his envoy to visit Washington. and it was in favor of the use of silver as money.

The date at which the repeal should 323 become operative is immaterial. the following interview with Mr. permitting national banks to issue bank notes up to the par value of bonds deposited by them was to be made the special order of the House. On February 12th. McPherson in the Senate. These two Tory-Republican schemes of finance always went hand in hand. a leading stock speculator of New York City. Henry Villard. who was charged with wrecking the Northern Pacific Railway Company. Don M. Whatever influence I have is being exerted to that end. He said: "The repeal of the Sherman act (unconditionally) is the great necessity of the hour. made mandatory by the Sherman law. House Resolution 10143. I am not yet without hope that that this law will be repealed by the present Congress. Continuance of the silver purchasing operation. 322 In every instance. Shortly after the appearance of Mr. made hie appearance in Washington. and publicly announced that he was the envoy of President-elect Cleveland. each attempt to suspend the coinage of silver. and that it was Mr."
. and Congressman Harter introduced a joint resolution similar to that of Mr. Dickinson put in an appearance at Washington as the representative of President-elect Cleveland. 1893. He likewise informed Congress that the incoming President desired the repeal of the Sherman law.After the holiday recess. Vil1ard to influence Congress were fruitless. Cleveland's wish that the Sherman law be repealed. The efforts of Mr. save that the sooner the better. The next morning after Dickinson left for Washington. was followed by an effort to confer greater powers and privileges upon national banks. is a menace to the business and financial interests of the country. It was evident that none of these measures could bc forced through Congress at this time. the House reassembled January 4. Villard at the Capitol. On February 9th. Cleveland was published in the New York Herald. after the bill providing for the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman Law was passed. and to retire the greenbacks.

"
. of New York City.In its editorial comments upon this interview with Mr. if not the only way to repeal the Silver Purchase lair is to precipitate a panic upon the country. favor. the bill which had been introduced there was also defeated. met with an inglorious defeat at the hands of this Congress. the Herald said: "As a party man. as a vindicator of the machine. in his attempt to force the Legislative Department of the Government to submit to his will. He holds a big ugly club in the shape of patronage. the Senate defeated a motion to take up the bill to repeal the silver law by a decisive vote. and the implied threats of President-elect Cleveland. " The Commercial Bulletin said:"The quickest. Cleveland. unloading of stocks as fast as any one would buy them in anticipation that the gold reserve would not be replenished." Notwithstanding the appearance of Don Dickinson at Washington. and that an 324 extra session would be called early. which is expected to bring Democratic members to time. Mr. February 1st. or any consideration. and arouse public sentiment to a point which will compel the next Congress to repeal the Sherman law whether it wants to or not. Don has been at it all day interviewing Democratic Senators and the leaders in the House including Speaker Crisp. After the defeat of these various measures the Banker's Magazine. as nothing short of this will convince the silver men of their error. In the House. said: "President Cleveland is threatening an extra session if the silver purchase law is not repealed. and an attempt be made to coerce its members into repealing the Silver Purchasing Act unconditionally. will be expected to line up for the repeal of the silver law. Cleveland will stand on firm ground when he declares that every aspirant for office patronage. said:"The tumble in the stock market during February had for one of its causes." A Washington special to the Chicago Tribune. The actions of President-elect Cleveland. Don Dickinson is the bearer of the news. as an upholder of the regular organization.

To Chapter X To the Table of Contents
. Every step thus far taken by the money power of the United States and of England to strike down silver was in pursuance of a well-defined plan to shackle the people to an appreciating gold standard. While plundering the Government of its gold as a part of the scheme to force an issue of bonds. At the time these banks were engaged in this transaction. the New York banks were withdrawing tens of millions of gold from the Treasury and shipping it abroad. Every step taken by the money power to force a repeal of the Sherman law was cabled to London with the avowed purpose of influencing England to close the Indian mints to the free coinage of silver. was engaged in the scheme to totally cut off the further coinage of silver. aided by the press and the unprecedented conduct of President-elect Cleveland.While the money power of the United States. they robbed the people by extorting illegal rates of interest. they raised the rate of interest on call loans to twenty-five per cent.

After the events narrated in the preceding chapter. in attempting to influence Congress before he was invested with the constitutional power to address that body. Chase.evidenced his plain purpose to subordinate the press to his views. NATIONAL BANKING MONEY POWER BRINGS ON THE PANIC OF 1893. Depew.
.
"The greatest financial mistake of my life was in what I had to do with the passage of the present National Bank Act. Those fifty men can paralyze the whole country.The Coming Battle
325 CHAPTER X. and every electric key struck dumb. It ought to be repeated. The number of leading journalistsappointed by him to the most lucrative and honorable posts. in the appointment of editors of influential newspapers to highly-salaried offices. aroused the gravest fears of the rank and file of the Democracy. the people saw their chosen idol ally himself with the national banking money power. and they perceived that he intended to use the immense patronage of his office to coerce Congress into submission to his will. His conduct previous to his inauguration. "Fifty men in these United States have it within their power."-Salmon P. With much sorrow." Chauncey M. in the official capacity of President. every avenue of trade blocked. and the people on the other as has never been witnessed in this country. 326 To add further to their misgivings. by reason of the wealth which they control. to come together within twenty-four hours and arrive at an understanding by which every wheel of trade and commerce may be stopped from revolving. Mr. but before it can be done there will be such a contest between the banks on the one side. for they control the circulation of currency and can create a panic whenever they will. President Cleveland. Cleveland once more assumed the duties of the high office to which lie was elected.

. by appointing one of the ablest corporation lawyers of the country to the office of Attorney-General. was the most notable ever heard in Congress. had been seldom equaled by any of his predecessors in office. argument. this money power immediately perceived upon the accession of Mr. Daring his career in Congress. Carlisle for Secretary of the Treasury. Cleveland to the Presidency. Mr. if necessary. and he resolved to convert him into an advocate of that merciless greed which had hitherto absorbed the wealth of the people. therefore. The on1y leading appointment made by him. This power knew that President Cleveland was a man whose firmness. President Cleveland had long recognized the splendid ability of Mr. he relegated tariff reform to the background. was that of John G. To the intense disgust of that great party which had so frequently honored him. via." It resolved to bring an a panic. to teach the people an "object lesson. and eloquence. and. Carlisle as an opponent to the national banking money power. the like of which had never been visited upon any people. it determined to wreck the country. Carlisle was the ablest opponent of the national banking system and a single standard of gold that the country ever knew. that he was a staunch friend of the gold standard and of the national banking system.
. For logic. and 1882. That the time had come in which to make a bold 327 stroke for the perpetuation of its system. Hon. He aggravated this distrust. and ability. his arraignment of the money power.far exceeded similar appointments made by any of his predecessors. Hence his appointment. in 1878. Subsequent events will show that he became the greatest apostate to a noble cause that ever appeared in American history. which was now manifested againsthim. which anywise allayed this feeling of distrust. energy.Richard Olney.

had several objects in view.thus securing ownership of all the means of transportation. Third.ooo. The withdrawal from circulation of more than 5oo.ooo silver dollars. buying such stocks and bonds at the lowest possible figure.
.ooo.ooo in interest per annum. The national banking money poorer. whose deposits aggregated nearly a billion of dollars in 1893. amounting to $5oo. stated that one half of all the loans of these associated banks werc made to the stock speculators of Wall street. composed of the membership of sisty-six national banks. by depreciating their stocks and bonds during the panic.ooo. in the early part of 1893. The immensity of this money power is almost beyond comprehension. Matthew Marshall.The head and front of this great power is the Clearing House Association of New York City. 328 the bullion composing them to be thrown upon the market and sold as "old junk. That accurate financial writer of the New York Sun. A large part of this vast accumulation of money. Bonds were to be issued to take up these dollars. the loaning of which would annually bring the banks an additional profit of $4o.ooo. Gage. An opportunity to exhibit its power over Congress and the people. those men who organized cliques and rings to wreck railroad properties. The permanent withdrawal and destruction of the greenbacks and the treasury notes of 1890.ooo. in planning and consummating the panic of 1893. was not loaned to be invested in legitimate business enterprises. running from fifty to one hundred years. Second.ooo. and the substitution therefor of an equal amount of bank notes. These bonds were to serve as a basis for national bank notes. First." to use the phrase of National Banker Lyman J. and the issue of an equal amount of bonds. the issue and control of which would net the banks at least $4o. was the deliberate work of that class of men who pompously ascribed to themselves the sum and substance of all the financial wisdom of the nation.Every monetary panic from which the American people had suffered. Fourth. The wrecking of those great railway properties of the country which it did not control.It was utilized to manipulate the price of stocks. held by these associated banks.

With few exceptions, the thirteen thousand banks scattered over the land obey the dictates of the Clearing House to the minutest letter. New York City is the seat of the most gigantic concentration and combination of capital in the Western Hemisphere. It is the home of those great banks, of 329 the loan and trust companies, and of the majority of the enormously wealthy life, fire, and marine insurance companies of the United States.Wall street is the arena of the railway, gas, street railway, sugar, coffee, and oil magnates. It is a city where a fortune of less than ten millions is not considered worthy of public notice. The great banking house of Rothchild is ably represented by the Belmonts; Lombard street, London, has its agent there in the person of J. Pierpont Morgan. New York City is the center of exchange of America Thirteen thousand banks of the United States, private, state and national, continually maintain large deposits of money in her national banks for the payment of drafts. These deposits of money from all parts of the nation amount to many millions, and tend to make money scarce in the South and West, and concentrate it in a few banks in the metropolis. According to the provisions of the national banking law, the national banks of the great sties of the country were selected as the reserve agents of the 3,7oo national banks throughout the country. By that law, these banks vere required to keep in reserve from fifteen to twenty-five per cent of the total amount of deposits in their custody; and they were authorized to deposit this great Reserve Fund in the national banks of New YorkCity, a system which further added many millions of dollars to the holdings of those banks, with a consequent drain .of money upon all other districts of the nation. The banks of New York City were thus enabled, from these immense accumulations of money, to mate loans at the low rate of one per cent, 330 stroke for the perpetuation of its system, this money power immediately perceived upon the accession of Mr. Cleveland to the Presidency. This power knew that President Cleveland was a man whose firmness, energy, and ability, had been seldom equaled by any of his predecessors in office, that he wag- a staunch friend of the gold standard and of the national banking system, and, therefore, it determined to *wreck the country, if necessary, to teach the people an "object lesson."

It resolved to bring on a panic the like of which had never been visited upon any people. Every monetary panic from which the American people had suffered, was the deliberate work of that class of men who pompously ascribed to themselves the sum and substance of all the financial wisdom of the nation. The national banking money power, in planning and consummating the panic of 1893, had several objects in view. First, The permanent withdrawal and destruction of the greenbacks and the treasury notes of I 89o, amounting to $5oo,ooo,ooo, and the issue of an equal amount of bonds, running from fifty to one hundred years. These bonds were to serve as a basis for national bank notes, the issue and control of which would net the banks at least $40,000,000 in interest per annum. Second, The withdrawal from circulation of more than 5oo,ooo,ooo silver dollars, and the substitution therefor of an equal amount of bank notes, the loaning of which would annually bring the banks an additional profit of $40,000,000. Bonds were to be issued to take up these dollars, 329 the loan and trust companics, and of the majority of the enormously wealthy life, fire, and marine insurance companies of the United States. Wall street is the arena of the railway, gas, street railway, sugar, coffee, and oil magnates. It is a city where a fortune of less than ten millions is not considered worthy of public notice. The. great banking house of Rothchild is ably represented by the Belmonts; Lombard street, London, has its agent there in the person of J. Pierpont Morgan. New York City is the center of exchange of America. Thirteen thousand banks of the United States, private, state and national, continually maintain large deposits of money in her national banks for the payment of drafts. These deposits of money from all pans of the nation amount to many millions, and tend to make money scarce in the South and West, and concentrate it in a few banks in the metropolis. According to the provisions of the national banking law, the national banks of the great cities of the country were selected as the reserve agents of the 3,700 national banks throughout the country. By that law, these banks were required to keep in reserve from fifteen to twenty-five per cent. of the total amount of deposits in their custody; and they were authorized to deposit this great Reserve Fund in the national banks of New York City, a system which further added

many millions of dollars to the holdings of those banks, with a consequent drain of money upon all other districts of the nation. The banks of New York City were thus enabled, from these immense accumulations of money, to make loans at the low rate of one per cent., 331 deposited by these banks to secure their circulating notes, reached the magnificent sum of $419,887,111. We do not include in this calculation the usury gathered from their currency or bank notes. In its yearly almanac for 1893, the New York World, a journal friendly to national banks, shows that the Profits of those banks from 1872 to 1891 were the vast aggregate of $1,o81,998,586. Their average capital during that period was $5oo,ooo,ooo. There are scores of these banks, which, after distributing great dividends to their stockholders, have a surplus and undivided profits exceeding their entire capital stock. These facts are taken from the sworn reports of the officials of these banks. At the hearing before the Committee on Currency in December, 1894, George C. Williams President of the Chemical National Bank of New York City, gave the following sworn statement as to the profits of his bank. We here quote the evidence of Mr. Williams in reply to the questions of Mr. Warner, a member of the committee: MR. WARNER: So that the capital of your bank now represents how many millions of dollars? MIR. WILLIAMS: Our capital is $3oo,ooo and our surplus about $7,ooo.ooo. MR. WARNER: Your stock is worth about $4.300 a share? MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, Sir; it sells for that. It sells for more than it is worth. MR. WARNER : Forty-three times as much as its par. What is the amount of your bond deposit? MR. WILLIAMS: The Chemical Bank has never taken out any circulation whatever. Our bond deposit is $5o,ooo; but we have never circulated any notes. 332

The Chairman pursued this line of questioning, and elicited the following admissions:THE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Williams, some members of the committee desire to understand exactly the condition of your bank. What did you state the capital was? MR. WILLIAMS: Three hundred thousand dollars. THE CHAIRMAN: And the surplus? MR. WILLIAMS: The surplus and undivided profits are about $7,000,ooo. The surplus is $6,000,ooo and the undivided profits a little over a million dollars, making a little over $7,000,000 Of surplus and undivided profits. THE: CHAIRMAN: And how much deposits? MR. WILLIAMS: Thirty million dollars. THE CHAIRMAN: What dividend do you pay per annum on your stock? MR. WILLIAMS: We pay now 15o per cent. per annum. The astonishing annual profits of that bank is shown by the following:THE CHAIRMAN: You stated the dividend last year was 15o per cent. MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, Sir. CHAIRMAN: What were the undivided profits of that year? MR. WILLIAMS: Well, I have not it in mind; but owing to the panic our profits last year were not as large as usual. Usually we expect to add to our surplus 1oo per cent. besides the dividend we pay of 15o per cent. THE CHAIRMAN: That is $300,ooo a year? MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, Sir. Mr. CHAIRMAN: And a dividend of 15o per cent besides? MR. WILLIAMS: Yes, sir.

In the year of the panic of 1893, this institution gathered in a profit Of 250 per cent. A partial list of other banks of New York City is appended, to illustrate their unheard-of profits: 333 The par value of the stock of the Mechanics' National Bank is $25 per share; it is now worth $195 per share. The par value of the stock of the Importers' and Traders' National Bank is now worth$500 per share. The par value of the stock of the Hanover National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $340 per share. The par value of the stock of the Gallatin National Bank is $5o per share; it is now worth $300 per share. The par value of the stock of the Broadway National Bank is $25 per share; it is now worth $25o per share The par value of the stock of the Chatham National Bank is $25 per share; it is now worth $300 per share. The par value of the stock of the City National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $6oo per share. The par value of the stock of the Corn Exchange National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $300 per share. The par value of the sock of die Fifth Avenue National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $3,000 per share. The par value of the stock of the Chase National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $5oo per share. The par value of the stock of the Fourth National Bank is $1oo per share; it is now worth $185 per share. The difference between the face, or par value, of the stocks of these banks, and the market value

thereof, results from the surplus and undivided profits, which are accumulated after the payment of large periodical dividends to the stockholders. Not satisfied with these unparalleled incomes, these national banks, in connection with others of New York City, constitute that Clearing House, which persistently claimed the special, bounties of the Government in the way of tens of millions of prepaid interest, premiums on bonds, and gratuitous loans of public money, aggregating hundreds of millions of dollars. 334 The money kings at the head of these banks are the most persistent and greatest beggars on earth. They are the financiers who have brought on every panic since 1865, and, from the tumbling of stocks and wreckage of fortunes, gather in the wealth of the country. In 1896, the great trust companies of that city held deposits of money aggregating $242,000,000; and paid dividends Of 25 to 40 per cent. to their stockholders. They were as strong in 1893. These trust companies are the holders of hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds of railway, street railway, gas, and electrical companies, located chiefly in the West and South. The income from these stocks and bonds accelerates the flow of money to the East. Many of these corporations, whose stocks are so held by the capitalists of New York City, are bonded from two to five times their actual value, thus operating as a heavy burden upon those communities who have granted these corporations valuable franchises. A single street railway corporation in one of the Western States was purchased by two Eastern speculators for $2,000,000; they at once proceeded to issue bonds upon this property to the amount of $4,000,000, which they sold to a trust company in New York City. They also issued stock to the amount of $4,500,000, which was disposed of by these scoundrels, making a total debt of $8,5oo,ooo upon a property costing but $2,ooo,ooo. The people of that city pay the interest upon these bonds, and the dividends upon this stock, by submitting to exorbitant charges. This money power, with the eyes of Argus and the 335 hands of Briareus, has likewise seized upon the natural gas resources of the West.

A syndicate of Eastern capitalists purchased the natural gas properties in the State of Indiana, the total outlay in cash being $3,500,000. It immediately proceeded to issue bonds thereon to the amount Of $8,250,ooo, which were sold to a trust company in New York City. The proceeds of these bonds paid for the entire investment besides yielding a surplus or bonus of S2,600,000. In addition stocks were issued on this property to the amount of $8,9oo,ooo. The interest and dividends on these stocks and bonds are squeezed out of the people of that State, and the money goes to increase the hoards of the millionaires of the East. The same is true of the stock-yards of the West. A single stock-yard company of Kansas City is enormously over-capitalized. In order to make the dividends to transmit to the E astern stockholders, corn was bought at ten cents per bushel, and sold at one dollar per bushel to those who are compelled to feed their stock shipped through those yards. Such is the robbery practiced on the West by what is called the culture and sound finance of the East. The more than one hundred thousand miles of railways traversing the West and South, cost, on an average per mile for their construction. The average bonded indebtedness is $63,000 per mile, and the interest on these bonds is met by extortionate rates of transportation acting as a means of levying heavy tribute upon the agricultural products of these sections. These bonds are chiefly held in New York City and England. The iniquity of this system can be faintly understood, 336 when it is borne in mind, that many of these railways were originally built by immense contributions of money and land by cities, townships, counties, and States, through which they run, in addition to the enormous land grants bestowed upon these corporations by the general Government, the last of which aggregated more than two hundred million acres of valuable public lands. The wealth of the insurance companies is almost in. calculable. There are single life insurance companies in that city, whose resources equal that of sovereign States. Three of these corporations have assets exceeding $6oo,ooo,ooo. The agents of those companies are planted over all the entire West and South, and the periodical flow of money to the East rivals the revenue of nations. This volume of money takes its origin from nearly every farm house, hamlet, village, town, and city in the Union, converges at the general agencies, and thence pours a mighty flood of dollars into the treasuries of the home companies. From 1869 to 1889, a period of twenty years, the State of Illinois contributed $138,425,433 to the various insurance companies of the East. It received back, in the way of losses paid, only $84,929,204, leaving a surplus or profit over expenditures Of $53,496,229. This drain was from a single State.

at the close of 1889. Kansas and Nebraska have one hundred and thirty-four incorporated mortgage companies. It is computed that Philadelphia alone negotiates yearly more than $15. In speaking of the astonishing increase of the mortgage debt of the West. but in other Eastern cities. is in the real estate mortgage indebtedness. 22 338
.000 on Western loans. for September.The aggregate from the West and South in the last twenty years would reach billions. and California. not only in New York City." The number of these loan and mortgage companies is very great. Texas. namely.ooo. as disclosed by the investigations of the eleventh census.000. said: "Boston numbers more than fifty agencies of farm mortgage companies. and the annual flow of money to the East for interest charges is at least $15o. the farmers and the laborers who are trying to obtain a home of their own by honest toil. resulting in an additional drain on those sections. the Political Science Quarterly. Waite said: "The most astonishing increase of all. Frederic C. was four thousand He hundred and forty-seven millions with the great States of Ohio. The grand aggregate will be no less than six thousand three hundred millions. The holdings of these companies aggregate more than one billion dollars. The aggregate in 1880 was only about two thousand five hundred millions. in turn.ooo. Let us remember that this is largely the debt of the hardest working and the poorest paid of all our American citizens. however. the aggregate amount in force. The companies organized under the laws of other States but operating in these two States increase the number at least two hundred. loaned this money to the South and West at exorbitant rates of interest. and whole groups of lesser States yet to be heard from. These insurance companies. 1889. In the twenty-one States for which the mortgage indebtcdness has been tabulated. Then there are the loan and mortgage companies of 337 New York City and the East who make a specialty of loaning money on the farm lands of the West and South. In an article upon this subject.

(et the former has more than fifty of these loan and mortgage companies. is a scandalous abuse of power.ooo. for March. but the amount is enormous Five mortgage companies it Topeka. and still outstanding. although a large amount of money is directly invested by lenders of this class. they furnish more than three fourths of the exports which maintain a balance of trade in favor of the United States."In this reckoning. many thousands of suits for foreclosure were instituted on the slightest failure to pay the inter339 est coupons. and the land sold to pay the debt.000. Of this sum go per cent. Five companies at Kansas City. The high-handed and oppressive manner. when compared with those of New York City. makes the following astonishing statement: "It is impossible to say bow much has been invested in the West in real estate securities. in view of the facts that these sections are the food-producing regions of the country. The Forum.. has been invested in Kansas. no account is taken of firms and individuals. This amount has been placed in a dozen Western States.000. report $68. and thus sweep away all into the coffers of these voracious usurers. is a dark and damnable blot on the jurisprudence of the United States. decrees of sale were accordingly entered." The financial resources of Boston are a mere bagarelle. in which these loan agencies and companies have invoked the law to foreclosc their mortgages on the farms of the West. that while they feed this whole nation.ooo outstanding. This iniquitous use of the process of the law to rob the debtors of the West and South of their whole -substance. and. 189o.
. obtain the property for a mere nominal sum. As the improved farms were only pledged for the payment of a sum of money never exceeding in any case more than fifty per centum of the value of the naked land. the security was good. Nevertheless. whereupon these mortgagers would bid in the entire mortgaged premises for a fraction of the claim. amount to $22." This remarkable state of affairs in the West and South will be considered strange. and yet hold a large residue of the judgment over the head of the unfortunate debtor to seize what other property the mortgagor would happen to Possess. report that the loans made by them. Kans. and it would shame the hardened nature of a Bashi Bazouk.

and other leading cities. the national bank managers. and corporations which furnish water and light for the cities of the nation. forced their debtors into bankruptcy. at an opportune moment. Russell Sage. dictate the election of officers of these banks.700 other national banks scattered over the country. the high1y protected manufacturing lords. exchange. As another means of securing control of the entire volume of money. Hartford. control the operations of the loan and trust companies. such as street railway companies. Boston. while the officers of these
. and having an unity of interest with them. the gigantic life insurance corporations. Havemeyer. the organizers and managers of oppressive trusts. An examination of the list of officers and directors of the national banks of New York City. is the chief owner of the Importers' and Traders' National Bank. showing that the great stock gamblers of Wall street. the wreckers of railroads. the sugar trust ting. the heads of great insurance companies. administrators. New Haven. In the city of Chicago. It will demonstrate that the presidents and directors Of the national I banks of the first-named city. the owners of great newspapers. with wonderful prescience. and the Stock 10. with the intentionof monopolizing the probate business of the courts.The future historian will marvel at the patience displayed by these people under the circumstances. Providence. and guardians. And so the list could be indefinitely extended. are the individuals at the head of the national banking money power. the great stock speculator of New York City. Closely allied to the moneyed corporations of New York City. Baltimore. Philadelphia. had their trust companies appointed receivers of the trust estate. organized trust companies in every great cityof the country to act in the capacity of receivers. the sugar trust. executors. Its millionaire merchants. trustees. the merchant princes. Proof of the strongest nature can be produced. charged enormous fees for settling up the affairs of the bankrupts. to show that these national banks have loaned money to flourishing manufacturing enterprises. are the 3. grain gamblers. Theme financial magnates are heavy stockholders in what we called natural monopolies. Brooklyn. reveals some marvelous facts. owners of street railway stocks. 340 H. is the heaviest stockholder in the Western National Bank. thea. and gas properties. Chicago. all the members of the great packing house arid stock-yard trust are heavily interested as owners and directors of national banks. O.

of which Lyman J.6oo.ooo of actual money to $6. that. on the 3oth day of June of that year. as a bon-vivant examines a fowl to ascertain its condition.939. In a report of the Comptroller of the Currency for 1893. with a volume of money of but $1. This bank has a capital of $3.6oo. that he keeps himself thoroughly versed in the financial condition of the debtors of his and other banks.-ooo. deposits. The process. who is also at the head of one of these trust companies. bought in the assets of these unfortunates at a great sacrifice.954.banks. loans and discounts of $17. The loanable funds of the banks consists of their paid-up cash capital.ooo. is very simple. so this great financier waits for his victim until he reaches that stage that he can be thrown into bankruptcy.412. The process of the banks. these banks have a loanable fund of four times that amount. This expansion of the loanable funds of a bank can be most clearly explained by the example of the First National Bank of Chicago. in building up this colossal system of credit. The receivership of his trust company does the rest. 341 It is said of a national bank president. by which these financial institutions expand $1. and that.727 and total assets of
.ooo. Up to the early part of 1893. the loanable funds of all the banks of the United States. that he carefully watches the growth of the business of these debtors until they become ripe for plucking. Gage was President. and subordinating the immense inter342 ests of the country to their dictation. and their loans to customers.ooo. when he pounces on him as the vulture pounces on its helpless prey. aggregated $6.ooo in the nation. or legerdemain. previous to his appointment to the Secretaryship of the Treasury. and exact the highest rate of interest on the latter is a matter which has confounded many students of finance. as private individuals.412. Under its manipulations of the volume of money it had forced nearly all business on a bankborrowing basis. this money power had built up a system of bank credit that was stupendous in its proportions.939. It may seem a mystery to many how it can be possible.954 of loanable bank credits.723.

who does not take this money out of the bank to hie place of business.ooo to $6.ooo capital loan nearly $18.000. The retailer buys these goods with the interest charge and the profit mingled with the price. and why exalt credit above actual cash. he borrows the money under the same process as the wholesale merchant. and the balance credited to the borrower. To further illustrate the methods of banks in swelling the amount of loanable funds. take the following case: A merchant goes to one of these great banks. This borrowed money remains with the bank for the payment of checks drawn against it by the merchant.000? It makes these loans out of the money daily deposited with it.ooo and have assets of nearly $40.5oo.6oo. and consequently their power to reap interest therefrom.ooo of loanable interest. he borrows $3oo.ooo. or. Owing to this process. This vast income of the banks operates as a tax upon the people . and charges a profitupon the whole amount thus invested.ooo. while making a profit out of the loan. In many cases.ooo to these institutions.a tax which ultimately falls with crushing weight upon the laboring man. bet the money of the business community in which it is situated. The wholesale merchant borrows a large sum of money from one of these great banks at the prevailing rate of interest which is deducted in advance. and hie credit being first class. It not only controls its own money. and he adds the interest charge to the cost of the goods so purchased. still has the use of the money out of which to make additional loans.
. throughout the length and breadth of the land. and so this process goes on indefinitely. the bank.ooo.ooo. The query arises how can a bank with but $3ooo. and thus he extracts a profitupon his from the ultimate purchaser. who is the consumer of them.4oo. 343 The supply of money in the bank for the payment of checks and drafts is maintained by the daily deposits of its hosts of customers. This is the identical process bywhich the system of banks have expanded $1. more dearly speaking. on what it owes to others.ooo on thirty.He adds this payment of interest to the cost of the goods.$39. eulogize credit.ooo. and why they are opposed to a sufficient volume of money. or ninety days' time.bearing bank credits. sixty. This is a substantial reason why the system of banks. This loanable bank credit means an annual income of at least $4oo. The interest is deducted out of the loan in advance.

these enormous profitsof the credit system of the banks levy tribute upon every article necessary for the sustenance and comfort of life. is the producers of wealth. who borrow the medium of exchange to carry on business. transformation. merely takes the difference between the cost and selling price of goods from the customers. county. The banker and the money lender merely gathers toll from those. The man who plows. let it be borne in mind that the sole class upon whom rests the enormous burdens of 344 government. sows. is engaged in the first-named process. and from whom has been extorted those almost incomprehensible sums of money that found their way into the coffers of the bankers and bond-holders. The merchant of every description who obtains a profit on the merchandise he buys and sells. State. and all other members of the professions. do not add a single penny to a nation's stock of wealth. and transportation. Bankers. falls in the province of the last named. transformation. and reaps.Therefore. and Federal officers. are merely consumers of what is produced by those who are engaged in the processes of transmutation. Lawyers. physicians. is an example of the second. and adds it to his own possessions. transmutation. These processes are the sole means of adding to the stock of material wealth.
.. municipal. only absorb what is produced by others. and the stilled or unskilled workman. This process does not add a farthing to the wealth of the nation as a whole. and those belonging to what are called the learned professions. who adds value to the raw material. via. The creation of wealth arises in three ways. the mechanic. There is no way under heaven by which these classes of persons add anything to the wealth of a people All township. In this connection. merchants. and transportation. or laborer. the distribution of the products of the agriculturist.

was their selection as depositories of government funds during the last thirty years. One of the means that greatly increased the power of the national banks of Net York City. as the compensation of disbursing officers for public buildings. at a banquet given in his honor by these banks. he thus extols these pets of the Government. the national banking money power of today can reach every part of the United States in twenty-four hours. In a speech of Comptroller Eckles.345 Every tax levied and collected by the Government. as a reasonable compensation for such services.625." Think of it! These few banks had the use of more than five billions of government money.356. and they have brought it to a perfection that would excite the admiration of a Napoleon.o87. which is the same as that fixed by the act of March 3. These burdens are surely bearing down the people into a bottomless abyss of bankruptcy. increasing their loanable funds to that extent. He said: "As government depositories the national banks have received. Shortly after the inauguration of President Cleveland. The national banks know the value of organization. stored in their vaults. These definitions of the producing and non-producing classes are matters of every-day observation. and its various political and territorial subdivisions.891 without expense to the Government. to be in turn. It is upon the shoulders of the producing class that rest the crushing weight of government.347. 1875. the enormous gains of national banks. Through the agency of the railway and the tele346 graph. The contents of the circular are as follows: -
. it would amount to $2o. and accounted for $5. and are susceptible of complete demonstration. and other wealth-consuming elements. Allowing the rate of three eighths of one per cent. given to those who are the official organs of lawful authority. the national banks of New York City transmitted the following infamous circular to the thousands of banks scattered throughout the United States. and from which they gathered scores of millions of profit. is a transference of health from the people.

Be careful to make a money stringency felt among your patrons.ooo. Advocate an extra session of Congress for the of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law an act with the other banks of your city in securing a large petition to Con for its unconditional repeal." While the national banks of that city were engaged in this conspiracy to wreck the business interests of the country.ooo of such bonds immediately in Europe under similar conditions. the fol347 lowing remarkable document was put forth by the national banking money power. The future life of national banks as axed and safe investments depends upon immediate action.ooo to $1. etc. bonds.ooo of new bonds as a basis of circulation. per accompanying form.ooo. as there is an increasing sentiment in favor of Government legal tender notes and silver coinage. especially among influential business men. Pass a bill authorizing the issue of $3oo. Use personal influence with congressmen and practically let your wishes be known to your Senators.ooo of gold and issue $1oo. with stipulation that none of them should be resold within the United States.ooo. such deposits to be preferred liens upon all assets of each bank.ooo of United States 3 per cent. and deposit them in the different national banks of the United States pro rata to their capital and circulation. You will at once retire one third of your circulation and call in one half of your loans.ooo.ooo. silver certificates and treasury notes. "It should also direct the Treasurer to sell $1oo. upon adequate security being given to the Government securing such deposits. they were raiding the gold reserve of the United States Treasury to force an issue of bonds. "2. Silver. This will require the authorization of from $5oo. Coincident with the appearance of this circular. It is as follows:"Dear Sir: The present financial situation requires the following action by Congress. payable in gold.-ooo. the money to be placed in the United States Treasury or left on deposit
. to wit: "1. which advised the bringing on of this panic. must be retired and national bank notes upon a gold basis made the only money. directing United States Treasurer to sell $1oo. Pass a resolution repealing purchase clauses of Sherman silver bill.ooo immediately in Europe. the Treasurer to take this $1oo."Dear Sir: The interests of national bankers require immediate financial legislation by Congress.ooo of gold certificates against it.ooo.ooo. which should be favored by all interests.

and drawn as needed. St. to be entirely divorced and free from politics. Savannah. now helplessly clogged.in London. and report to an adjourned session of Congress a bill incorporating a United States national bank.ooo should be held subject to sale whenever the necessities of the Government or the financial interests of the country demand it. Cincinnati. and it being expressly stipulated that one half of the committee shall be selected from Republican banters and one half from Democratic bankers.
. "4. Denver. "For the future the following action should be taken: "5. to be held within twenty days after the passage of such resolution.ooo. Philadelphia.ooo. "A national bank is absolutely necessary for the future financial safety of the country. founded on the same lines as the national bank of England and the national bank of Prance. and Berlin. New Orleans. in addition to the balance of trade in our favor. would immediately establish confidence in out financial strength. Detroit. St. Louis. Buffalo. for use by the Government in paying deficiencies between the Government's receipts and expenditures.Pass a resolution calling an international conference to establish an international agreement as to the use of silver as currency. Pass a resolution appointing a committee. to consist of five New York bankers of the highest standing and one each from Boston. Paul. Paris. the committee to immediately meet. Atlanta. consider. "The remaining $1oo. two of them to be Senators from the silver States and two of them equally representative of the other side of the question.Pass the act increasing national bank circulation to par of deposited bonds. Chicago. Galveston. Under present conditions there is no elasticity to our currency. "The above legislation would immediately inspire confidence here and abroad in American finances and start n the wheels of business.ooo of gold to this country. San Francisco. Nashville. "Bringing $2oo. Twenty days' notice by cable is amply sufficient to allow time for every government to appoint men who understand the 348 subject thoroughly. "The delegates representing the United States should be selected by Congress and named in the resolution. "3. and Pittsburg. and have them meet at some convenient place.

"Five per cent. of our financial business is done with cash, 95 per cent. with credit. "To-day credit is largely destroyed, which leaves us trying to do more than one half of the business of the country on the insignificant per cent. cash, and a considerable proportion of this cash hoarded and taken. out of circulation. "To meet emergencies lite this, we should have a 349 national bank, having power to make almost an unlimited issue of currency with the same power and self-interest, whcn confidence returns, to take and return all this specially-issued currency and retire it. "The bank of England and the bank of France have power to issue - millions upon millions of additional currency whenever necessary to protect and conduct the finances ofthe country, and they exercise this power, arid therefore such extreme panics as ours are unknown in those countries.When the crisis is over, this extra currency is retired. "There is no question as to the safety of this power; it has been exercised by these great banks in these two countries for generations, and has been their financial salvation, and we can have no permanent financial. safety in the United States until we create a similar national bank or else make the United States Treasury a bank and authorize and direct that in times of panic and destruction of credit the Government shall issue currency to an extent necessary to meet the emergency, and deposit it in the national banks of the country. Of the two measures, it is certainly preferable to have a great national bank, founded on almost exactly the lines of the Bank of England, thus taking financial question andmanagement entirely out of the influence of politics, because the government of the First National Bank of England is entirely in the hands of the greatest business men of the country, who have no interest whatever in politics, except as citizens. Yours truly, Wm. R. Conway." This document was placed in the hands of members of Congress with a view of influencingtheir action. The first demand, couched in this circular,requested Congress to repeal the purchase clause of the Sherman law. The second demanded the passage of a bill authorizing the issue of $3oo,ooo,ooo of United States bonds, payable in gold, and $1oo,ooo,ooo of gold thus received, 350

and for which interest was to be paid by the nation, should be given to the different national banks as a loanable fund. The third demands the repetition of that farce - the calling of an international monetary conference. The fourth - the passage of an act permitting national banks to increase their circulation up to the par value of the bonds deposited by these. Fifth, The passage of a resolution authorizing a committee of banters to frame a bill incorporating a national bank, operating on the same principles as the Bank of England. This proposed bank to be endowed with the power of making an unlimited issue of currency, the volume of which could be contracted whenever the self-interest of the banks saw fit to curtail this volume of money. Thus the Tory-Eastern system of finance was outlined by the money power. The historical incident of Didius Julianus bidding-in the Roman Empire, that he might absorb its entire revenues for his personal benefit, was not a circumstance compared to the monumental greed of the national banking money power. Subsequent history has fully demonstrated that several of the demands set forth in this circular have found their way upon the statute-books of this nation, and that the remaining are gradually taking the form of proposed legislation. This great scheme of building up a mighty system of bank credit would place seventy millions of Americans at the mercy of the money mongers of London and New York City. This bank credit system, embodied in the national bank plan, has its center in London, and this would 351 be true of any system of bank currency, no matter how carefully framed. This was the case with the United States bank, and it applies more emphatically to the present system. In a great speech on the banking question, Thomas H. Benton, more than fifty years ago, so clearly, logically, and powerfully traced this bank credit currency system to its source that it merits careful reading. He said:"The banks at that center to which currency flows, hold the power of controlling those in regions whence it comes, while the latter possess no means of restraining them; so that the value of

individual property, and the prosperity of trade, through the whole interior of country, are made to depend on the good or bad management of the banking institutions in the great seats of trade on the seaboard. "But this chain of dependence does not stop here. It does not terminate at Philadelphia or New York, It reaches across the ocean, and ends in London, the center of the credit system. The same laws of trade, which give to the banks in our principal cities power over the whole banking system of the United States, subject to the former, in their turn, to the money power in Great Britain. "It is not denied that the suspension of the New York banks in 1837, which was followed in quick succession throughout the Union, was partly produced by an application of that power; and it is now alleged, in extenuation of the present condition of so large a portion that their embarrassments have arisen from the same cause. From this influence they cannot now entirely escape, for it has its origin in the credit currencies of the two countries; it is strengthened by the current of trade and exchange, which centers in London, and is rendered almost irresistible by the large debts contracted there by our merchants, our banks, and our States. 352 "It is thus that the introduction of a new bank into the most distant of our villages, places the business of that village within the influence of the money power of England. It is thus that every new debt which we contract in that country seriously affects our own currency and extends over the pursuits of our citizens its powerful influence. We cannot escape from this by mating new banks, great or small, state or national. The same chains which bind those now existing to the center of this system of paper audit, must equally fetter every similar institution we create. It is only by the extent to which this system has been pushed of late, that we have been made fully aware of its irresistible tendency to subjectour own banks and currency to a vast controlling power in a foreign land; and it adds a new argument to those which illustrate their precarious situation. Endangered in the first place by their own mismanagement, and again by the conduct of every institution which connects them with the center of trade in our ourn country, they are yet subjected, beyond all this, to the effect of whatever measures, policy, necessity, or caprice, may induce those who control the credits of England to resort to." This great statesman, who so ably exposed the dangers of a bank currency which would degrade the United States into a mere dependency of the "Little Isle beyond the seas," has long since passed away, but his solemn warning still beckons to the people, and points oat the folly of trusting themselves to the embrace of that boa constrictor - the banking monopoly. In the month of April, 1893, the New York bankers had a conference with Secretary Carlisle at Washington, in which they demanded that he issue bonds to the amount of $15o,ooo,ooo. Secretary Carlisle would not accede to their demands at this time.

The refusal of Mr. Carlisle to grant the demands of these bankers angered them, and they returned to 353 New York City determined to force an issue of bonds at all hazards. They continued to raid the gold reserve more fiercely than ever. In the meanwhile, with a few honorable exceptions, the banks throughout the country executed the man-dates couched in that circular issued from New York City. Loans were refused,and outstanding obligations were remorselessly called in by these tools of the money kings.As an excuse for that conduct, it was asserted that "confidence" was lost. The press of Net York City, with few exceptions, owned body and soul by the national banking money power, aided in the work by its senseless clamor. It called attention to every shipment of gold that went out of the country as a fearful calamity. One of these newspapers daily printed in largo figures on its front page the low state of the gold reserve. They denounced the silver dollar as a "5o-cent dollar," a "dishonest dollar," a "fiat dollar." In short, the vocabulary of abase was exhausted by them when speaking of silver as money. The Sherman silver law was pointed to as the whole cause of the panic now raging. The mercenary character of the New York press, and its ownership by foreign capitalists and the national banking money power, is best illustrated by that veteran Journalist, Colonel Cockerill. He says: "The fashion of editing the more influential or the more successful daily newspapers by cablegram has completely destroyed what little virility was left in their editorial pages. 354 "The non-resident ownership of newspapers leads to one serious result, which, I think, has not been generally considered.

"The owner receives from his newspaper property, at stated intervals, returns in money. He is beyond the reach of proofs. "The address of his banker is always known. Thither, on the first of every month, large sums of money must be forwarded. "The tendency of non-resident ownership must, therefore, necessarily be to measure everything by a pecuniary test. The morale of the paper, its course of public measures, and its treatment of the interests of the people, whose trustee it professes to be, with such protestations, are considered only from the point of view of the counting room. "The worst phase of non-resident ownership is its ' absolute heartlessness." Such is the stinging indictment brought against these great journals by this able writer. In speaking of the tyranny of that press, W P. St. John, President of the Mercantile National Bank, an advocate of free coinage of silver, said: "There is a very widespread unrest of opinion on this topic and the allied topic, called the 'silver question,' even in New York and New England. Public opinion is under a newspaper terrorism in New York. Men who agree with me fully, and I know many of them of considerable wealth, prefer to keep silent for the present. Any nobody who will mite at length a lot of nothingness adverse to silver money will be accorded certain newspapers' space and be dignified into great authorities. Rejoinder, if complete, and the more complete the more certainly, is denied even a limited space. Again, other men believe that until a change of administration here approaches it vill merely cost them influence to speak their conclusions favorable to silver money. Then, too, certain newspapers shield 355 their readers against intelligence and cow them out of any timid convictions they might indulge." He added: "Rut conditions current here and elsewhere are forcing the truth upon general attention, and a rebellion against this tyranny and concealment of facts mill manifest itself ere long in New York as elsewhere. I have recently been urged by commercial bodies of two important Eastern sties to address them at length upon my convictions. I declined on the ground that I have talked so much that I deem it unwise to be heard again on the topic until invited to speak by my immediate associates in the city of New York.

"The paper that I now ask the privilege of reading, was prepared for a monthly magazine of importance. I asked the space at first, but afterward withdrew the request. The editor urged my carrying out my first intention. His private secretary heard the matter in the rough and urged me the more to complete it for his magazine. I learn this morning that more acceptable matter will crowd me oat, which is only another evidence of what you gentlemen, aiming to serve your country, are entitled to complain of in the Eastern press." Among all the bankers of that city, Mr. St. John was the sole financier who urged the adoption of free coinage, and a continuance of the greenbacks and treasury notes as a part of the volume of money. His example was a green oasis amidst the barren desert of avarice of the national banking element. The press still continued this warfare upon silver, greenbacks, and the treasury notes; and editorially endorsed the course of the bankers in creating a monetary stringency. In urging a repeal of the Sherman law, the Commercial Bulletin said: 356 "The quickest if not the only way to repeal the Silver Purchase law is to precipitate a panic upon the country as nothing short of this will convince the silver men of their error, and arouse public opinion to a point which will compel the next Congress to repeal the Sherman lair whether it wants to or not." The New York Sun April 29, 1893, exposed this scheme of the New York banks, and charged that they sent abroad $11o, ooo, ooo of gold to assist the Rothchilds to demonetize silver in Austria and elsewhere. It said: "Let us point to another fact, and we are done. Never before have the large banting institutions of Chicago and the West ordered their gold in such large quantities direct from Europe, and in this fact is found one reason why our banters are puzzled over the anomaly that, although all these millions are coming to the country, they experience little or no relief therefrom. The other reason, gentlemen, is, in order to force the repeal of the Sherman Act and to quickly establish your power over the plain people of this land, you first sent out of the country one hundred and ten millions of the people's currency in order to assist the Rothchilds to demonetize silver in Austria and elsewhere, and then let it remain there, to teach the West and South an 'objectlesson,' as the President called it, until you found it was necessary to recall it in order to save

your ourn house from destruction. Now, you have not only taught the West and South an objectlesson, but yourselves one as well, and you can bc sure of it." The Sun is an advocate of a single standard of gold, but the scoundrelism of the New York banks aroused its indignation. Meanwhile, President Cleveland was hand in glove with the treasonable banks, as the following from the New York Sun fully proves. It said April 28, 1893:357 "Secretary Carlisle decided yesterday morning to have a talk with the New York bankers. Late on Wednesday evening after his arrival from Washington, he conferred with Assistant Treasurer Jordan, and ex-Assistant Treasurer James J. Canda. As a result the Secretary yesterday morning suggested that he meet the bank presidents and private bankers at four o'clock in the afternoon. The postponement in the naval review because of the storm caused some delay, as Secretary Carlisle accompanied President Cleveland on the Dolphin. "The Secretary landed with the Presidential party at the foot of Ninety-sixth street, and was there met by the Columbian reception committee, including President J. Edward Simmons, of the Fourth National Rank. "The Secretary and Mr. Simmons were driven to the home of President George G. Williams, of the Chemical Bank, and chairman of the Clearing House Association, at 34 West Fifty-eighth street. "The following gentlemen were there to greet the Secretary: Mr. Jordan, Mr. Canda, President Perkins, of the Importers' and Traders", President Sherman, of the Bank of Commcrce; President Cannon, of the Chase; President Ives, of the Western; President Gal-latin; President Coe, of the American Exchange, and President Woodyard, of the Hanover, all national banks. Thc conference between the Secretary and the bank presidents lasted somewhat over an hour. There was the utmost good feeling displayed, and the Secretary said that he was there to make a free, frank, and open statement of what ho believed to be the financial policy of the Government. "In the first place, the Secretary said that an issue of bonds just at this time might be an effective remedy, but it would only be temporary, and that it would be followed by disturbances in the money market, and would in the end retard the determination of the administration to repeal the Sherman silver lair. The Secretary said positively that there would be no bond

358 issue except as a last resort. As the Secretary outlined the policy of the Government, it was that nothing would be done that in any way would retard or check the determination of the Cleveland administration concerning the repeal of the Sherman 3am. The Secretary went over the currency lawsof the country, and said they vere in bad shape and needed revision. He said the revision should start with the Sherman law. There is a determination also to show to the miners of silver the evil effects of the Sherman lair on their own fortunes. "President Cleveland's advisers have told him that the only may to induce the Western and Southwestern Senators and Con en to consent to a repeal of the Sherman 1am s to demonstrate to their constituents that they are losing money every day that this law is in operation. The missionary work in that direction has been started by a number of the bankers in the solid communities of the East. They are daily refusing credits to the South, Southwest, and West, fearing the effects of the Sherman law. "The Chicago bankers, it was said, are carrying out the same line of policy. Secretary Carlisle, in his talk with the bank presidents, made his stand very clear. It is to be heroic treatment all the way through on the Sherman law; and possibly by the next session of Congress, the silver mine owners and the adherents of silver in the Senate and the House will be ready to consent to a repeal of the law. "The bank presidents, replying to Secretary Carlisle, cordially informed him that they would be ready at all times to co-operate with him in the successful administration of the financialpolicy of the administration. Everybody shook hands, and there was harmony all round. "In the meantime the Secretary continues to receive offers of gold from unexpected sources." In its editorial comments upon this historical meeting of Secretary Carlisle and these bankers, the Sun of April 29th, says: 359 "The conference yesterday between Secretary Car-lisle and a number of the bankers of this citywas of great value in that it resulted in a definite understanding of the financial policy of the administration, as indicated in this column last Tuesday. That policy is to interpose no obstacle to the natural operations and logical results of the Sherman law. In a word, the administration proposes to allow the people to reap the regards of their own folly. "The statement of Mr. Carlisle to the New York bankers makes it clear that, while Mr. Cleveland works in Congress, the bankers will be expected to work, not in New York only, but throughout the country, doing their utmost to pinch business everywhere in the expectation of

causing a money crisis that will affect Con powerfully from every quarter. There is an explicitness in these declarations and a boldness in making them that would be astounding were not the country too familiar with Mr. Cleveland and his methods to be astonished by anything from him." These utterances of the Sun became prophecy, in view of the means utilized by President Cleveland in forcing a repeal of the Sherman law. He "worked in Congress" with the immense patronage at his disposal, as subsequent events demonstrated to a certainty. On May 1st, the Sun announced that President Cleveland would soon call an extra session of Congress, and urge upon that body an immediate repeal of the Sherman law. It said: "There is to be an extra session of Congress to afford the opportunity of repealing the Sherman law as soon as possible. War will be opened against silver, notably the Sherman law." During the waging of this war against silver by the national banking money power, aided by President Cleveland, the Herschell Commission was in session 360 in London, having under deliberation the question of closing the mints of India to free coinage. The only obstacle in the way of England forcing India to a gold standard was the existence of the Sherman law. This commission was informed of every step taken by the national banking money power and by President Cleveland to coerce Congress into repealing that law. Sir Reginald Welby who appeared before that commission as an expert financier, after the speech of Secretary Foster at the Delnonico banquet was quoted by the chairman, informed that body, that "Americans calmly told him (authorities with whom he discussed the silver natter) that, law or no law, the intention is to maintain the equality with gold and to suspend the purchase of silver if necessary, that this was the permanent policy of the Treasury, and account is taken of it, and banks act upon it." The only authority, from whom this witness could have received sech information, was Ambassador Bayard, who, during hie service in the United States Senate was a rigid gold monometallist, and an ardent supporter of national bantks. The Herschell Commission was informed that President Cleveland would call an extra session of Congress and force a repeal of the Sherman law.

The oommission at once dosed its deliberations, made a report recommending that the mints of India be closed to the free coinage of silver, which was done on the 25th of June, 1893. On June 27th, two days after the mints of India were closed to the free coinage of silver, Henry Clews, the 361 official mouthpiece of Wall Street, prublished the following comment on the situation. He said: "There is every reason why Congress should be brought together at the very earliest possible day. The houses that vere engaged until lately in shipping gold became so zealous in that enterprise that they tried to outstrip each other. The result was that more gold was actually shipped than Europe required. The natural result must appear in the return of the surplus thus exported. Exchange has now fallen, indeed, to the specie-importing point. As soon as our crops ripen, there will be inevitably a return of a good deal of gold to the country. One of the arguments in favor of the repeal of the Sherman law has been that the baser metal has driven the finer metal out of the country. In a little while, with gold returning to us, the strength of that argument will be sapped. An early session of Congress will leave the argument still in full force." In three days after the closing of the Indian mints, silver fell twenty cents an ounce. On the 3oth day of the same month, President Cleveland issued his proclamation requesting Congress to meet in special session August 7,1893.

"I cannot suppose that everybody is wise. Just think of the folly o the United States when they were a debtor nation in adopting a gold coinage. They know nothing about currency matters; they did not know that it me going to increase their debt enormously. " - Daniel Watney. Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration. "No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty; none lese inclined to take or touch aught which they have not honestly earned. Let them beware of surrendering a political power which they already possess and which, if cur-rendered, will surely be used to close the doors of advancement against such as they, and to fix new disabilities and burdens upon them till all of liberty shall be lost." - Abraham Lincoln. The substance of the proclamation issued by President Cleveland, convening the special session of Congress, is as follows: "Whereas the distrust and apprehension concerning the financial situation, which pervade all business circles, have already caused great loss and damage to our people, and threaten to cripple oar merchants, stop the wheels of manufacture, and bring distress and privation to our farmers, and withhold from our workingmen the wage of labor; "And, whereas, the present perilous condition is largely the result of a financial policy which the ex363 ecutive branch of the Government finds embodied in unwise laws which must be executed until repealed by Congress; "Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the United States, in

performance of a constitutional duty, do, by this proclamation declare that an extraordinary occasion requires the convening of both Houses of the Congress of the United States at the Capitol in the city of Washington on the 7th day of August next, at 12 o'clock noon, to the end that the people may be relieved, through legislation, from present impending danger and distress." On the 7th of August, 1893, Congress met promptly at the hour indicated in the call. Both Houses organized and the President was notified of the fact. On the 8th of August, he transmitted a special message to the House and Senate, respectively, in which he set forth his reasons for existing financial depressions, end urged the repeal of the Sherman law as the means to dispel the distrust which wrought such distress among the people. He said: "The existence of an alarming and extraordinary business situation, involving the welfare and prosperity of all our people, has constrained me to call together in extra session the people's representatives in Congress, to the end that through a wise and patriotic exercise of the legislative duty with which they solely are charged, present evils may be mitigated and dangers threatening the future may be averted. "Our unfortunate financial plight is not the result of untoward events nor of conditions related to our natural resources; nor is it traceable to any of the afflictions which frequently check national growth and prosperity. With plenteous crops, with abundant promise of remunerative production and manufacture, with unusual invitation to safe investment, and with satisfactory assurance to business enterprise, suddenly 364 financial distrust and fear have sprung up on every side. Numerous moneyed institutions have suspended because abundant assets were not immediately available to meet the demands of frightened depositors. Surviving corporations and individuals are content to keep m hand the money they are usually anxious to loan, and those en in legitimate business are surprised to find that the securities they offer for loans, though heretofore satisfactory, are no longer accepted. Values en to be fixed are fast becoming conjectural, and loss and failure have invaded every branch of business." An analysis of this extract of his message adds accumulative evidence, that this panic was prearranged by the nationa1 banks to coerce Congress to repeal the hated Sherman law. The President asserts that all the elements of prosperity were at hand, and suddenly distrust sprung up on every side.

ooo. and the 15th day of July. equally alert. with reference to the war waged by him against silver. in the stability of currency values that capital refuses its aid to new enterprises.In speaking of the coinage of silver. silver
. nor keep inferior money on a parity with superior money by its own independent efforts. in the opinion of the President. the gold coin and bullion in our Treasury decreased more than $132. and that this must be followed by the payment of all Government obligations in depreciated silver. gold and silver must part company. he speaks of a depreciated currency. Unless Government bonds are to be constantly issued and sold to replenish our exhausted gold. only to be again exhausted." With a remarkable disregard of existing facts. but make haste to sacrifice those which they already have. He adds: "The knowledge in business circles among our own people that our Government cannot mate its Sat equivalent to intrinsic value." A perusal of this part of his message exhibits his animus against silver. 1893. in which he asserted that the stock of silver coin and bullion in the Treasury had increased more than $147. At the very time that the President was penning this message.ooo.ooo.ooo.ooo. nor could our Government claim a performance of its obligation. Foreign investors. it is apparent that the operation of the Silver Purchase Law now in force. not only decline to purchase American securities. Given over to the exclusive use of a currency greatly depreciated according to the standard of the commercial world. and the Government must fail in its established policy to maintain the two metals on a parity with each other. the Sherman law should be repealed. has resulted in such a lack of confidence at home.ooo. leads in the direction of the entire substitution of silver for the gold in the Government Treasury. 1890. to provide for the use of the people the best and safest money. while during the same period the silver coin and bullion in the Treasury increased more than $147. while millions are actually withdrawn from the channels of trade and commerce to become idle and unproductive in the hands of timid owners. so far as such an obligation has been imposed upon it. He further says: 365 "At this stage." The last sentence of the above extract affords a key to the reason why. he said: "Between the 1st day of July. that is. we could no longer claim a place among nations of the first class.

50 per thousand. and. if any.ooo. and he is hereby. we refer to the following resolution by the Senate August 16. as a reason for requesting hostile legislation against it. of the treasury notes issued under the act of Ju1y 14. and silver dollars asked in exchange therefor. or $7. Bankers.ooo of silver coin and bullion in the Treasury. in assailing the credit of the Government. if so. and then pointing at this accumulation of money and bullion. at the time of such redemption. and in precipitating the panic.. With reference to that part of his message. and whether the department would or could exchange silver dollars for gold coin if requested to do so by holders of gold. or any subtreasury. where President Cleveland sought to convey a wrong impression to the people with reference to the quantity of silver on hand in the Treasury. and in which he asserts that bonds must be constantly issued to replenish the gold reserve. at the request of the holders thereof. that they could have gold instead of silver if they so desired. commonly called the Sherman Act..ooo or more. in his efforts to make silver the scapegoat for the traitorous acts of the national banking money power. in silver dollars. Zimmerman & Forshav. is a damning blot upon the administration. 366 On the 5th of August.We desire to purchase at a premium of 3/4 per cent. have been daring the present month redeemed by the 367 Government. by the money brokers of New York City. 11 Wall street. It exhibits the length to which President Cleveland went. a great banking firm of New York City had the following advertisement inserted in the New York Times and in the Herald: "WANTED-SILVER DOLLARS . "The Secretary of the Treasury is also directed to inform the Senate whether gold coin has been recently presented to the Treasury Department. 1890. standard silver doll in sums of $1.certificates were sold at a premium of two per cent. 1893: "Resolved. directed to report to the Senate what amount." The object of storing up $147. That the Secretary of the Treasury be. at a time when it was at a premium. and that there was danger of the Government going on a silver basis. and whether the holders of such notes were advised."
. in return for our certified checks payable through the clearing house. two days before Congress met. if such exchanges have been made.

I have the honor to say that during the present month. such exchanges would be made. Respectfully yours. nine days after President Cleveland transmitted his message to Congress. and exchange of the paper currency and the gold. and silver dollar asked in exchange therefor. 'Gold coin is issued in redemption of United States notes. and that the exchange was not made for the reason that all the silver dollars in the Treasury at the time were required under the provisions of the laws relating to the currency to be held in the treasury to cover outstanding silver certificates and treasury notes issued under the act of July 14 1890. while President Cleveland was holding up the Treasury accumulation of silver as a scarce to frighten Congress and the people.' "In further response to the resolution. for the same reason. and minor coins of the United States. J. by the Treasurer and all the Assistant Treasurers. there is a paragraph which reads as follows: "4. in like sums. redemption. I base this opinion upon the general publicity which has been given to the terms of the Act." Thus. I am also supported in my belief by the fact that in the circular of this department. G.On the 17th of the same month. I have to say that recently gold coin has been presented at an office of this department. amounting to $714.636 have been redeemed by the Government in silver dollars. bet if the condition of the funds of the Treasury were each as to afford a margin of silver dollars in excess of silver certificates and treasury notes outstanding. silver. by the Assistant Treasurers in New York and San Francisco. which have been to the effect that such notes were redeemable in silver dollars at the option of the holders. Carlisle. in sums not less than $5o. officially states that gold coin was recently
. At present the department would not and could not exchange silver dollars for gold coin if requested to do so by holders of gold. replied as follows: "In response thereto. 1890. treasury notes issued under the act of July 14. and containing the regulations which govern the issue. While I do not pretend to have knowledge of the degree of information possessed by the holders of the notes so redeemed. after reciting this resolution. the Secretary. no less than upon the instructions of this department to the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers of the United States. the Secretary of the Treasury. and 368 in redemption of treasury notes of 1890. Secretary. if they so desired. I am of the opinion that they mere fully advised at the time of such redemption that they could have gold instead of silver. issued to the public for their guidance in their dealings with the Treasury.

I predict to you that inside of three months . Meanwhile. he predicted that a repeal of this law would compel England to make proposals for a monetary conference. Hendrix and Mr. Wilson. gentlemen. the Chambers of Commerce. HENDRIX: Let us try the experiment just once and see whether we cannot bring this proud old lady down from her perch. a national banker. Bland:MR. where is that awful avalanche of silver which so frightened the President. who average American citizen was offering to take silver in exchange for gold. and let the country take care of the rest. while the Secretary was paying out gold to the New York banters for export." Further on. exchange silver dollars for gold coin because it did not have them. Hendrix. whereupon the following colloquy took place between Mr. Boards of Trade. representing a Brooklyn district. of West Virginia. and could not. a resolution was adopted limiting the debate on that measure to fourteen days." and the exchange could not be made because the Treasury did not contain any of this money available to supply the demands. delivered a speech in the House urging the repeal of the purchasing clause. introduced House bill No. for silver. that. In the face of this statement of the Secretary. Mr. One carious feature of this condition was. that superior money. providing for the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. On the 1oth of August.before this
. the department would not. Mr. The Secretary also says that at that time. The newspapers of the East kept up a terrific din urging Congress to prompt action. adjourn and go home. He said: "Repeal the Sherman silver law. and various other commercial bodies flooded Congress with petitions praying for the repeal of that law. On the 12th of August. 1. Upon the appearance of this repeal bill in the House. On the same day.offered for these despised "5o-cent dollars. a great debate was going on in the House. that he convened Congress in special session to save the country from being overwhelmed in disaster by it? 369 Here were holders of gold coin actually offering gold coin.

sir. Look at the clearing house returns. as represented by deposits. also a national banker. I have very little faith in this per capita claptrap.ooo per capita throughout this country. for the trust companies and the private banks $18 is a very small estimate. M. but under our banking methods what have we got? First.Congress meets again . BLAND: I understood the gentleman to say a moment ago that we were evoluting toward a gold standard. India. [ Laughter. But that is not all. D. and therefore I distrust the information. with a view to show that there was an abundance of money in circulation. made the following statement: "Gentlemen talk a good deal about our circulation per capita.] Such was the absurd inconsistency in which this national bank member of Congress involved himself. because when men are mentioned I like to know where I can find them. through this machinery of banking we have increased the currency of the country three times over. They show that for the year ending with the 30th of June last. BLAND: Will the gentleman allow me a question right there? MR. Let us talk a little about our per capita circulation. On the same day. BLAND: And now you claim that England is evoluting toward silver. sir. of Ohio. England will 370 make proposals to this country to come into a monetary conference and see what can be done for the sake of her ward. he utterly overthrew his former assertions by the following: -
. MR. Harter. They tell us that we have got $24 of circulation per capita. the savings banks hold $27 per capita. MR. They give you $72 per capita. Add these figures together and you will find what amount of circulation your banking methods give you. HENDRIX: Yes. In other words. HENDRIX: Ycs. Their names are not given. the national banks have $27 per capita." In less than five minutes after this deliverance. we had 371 exchanges amounting to $1. The propositions already said to have come through financial magnates. MR.if you repeal this Sherman law and adjourn. MR.

" A perusal of the Congressional Record. came to me with a check for a hundred dollars. according to the theory of the silver men. that arrogant and much-vaunted orator. I venture the assertion that we are not suffering to-day from a lack of money.
. Burke Cockran. and he could not get it cashed in Washington. Representative Bowers." This statement of Mr. will bear out the statement that every gold standard advocate who urged the repeal of the Sherman law.if you go to any of these banks with a draft on New York for $4o. with everything. produced arguments in favor of repeal that ate each other up as fast as they issued from his mouth. I sent it off for collection. a good bank . made the following statement. One of my constituents of California came to me with a $5o check on a New York national bank. in the course of one of his usual frothy speeches. to make prosperity. According to the statement of the Secretary of the Treasury the circulation today exceeds by some seventy millions the amount in circulation last year. $5o.for there are none but good banks in Washington and not very many of any other kind in the United States . Bowers was made in the presence of Mr. a for hours from here. will anybody pretend that the quantity of money we have now is not sufficient for all the purposes of commerce?" 372 Fourteen days preceding this statement of Mr. the latter subsequently asserted that the country was suffering from a redundancy of money! The mendacity of those members who spoke for repeal was shameless in the extreme. are begging at the doors of the banks for accommodations as small as $1oo and $2oo. Colonel Cockran. or $1oo. drawn in Rhode Island. but from a redundancy of money. because at that time the banks of the former city refused to pay the checks of their depositors. your owners of banks. of California. Speaker."Your boasted millionaires. Cock-ran. your men who employ thousands of operatives in their manufactories. 1893. you can scarcely get it cashed. drawn on a New York bank and he could not get it cashed in Washington. and yet. many of you know him. if you go with a New York draft to a bank. my friend. To-day. in view of this fact. but last year the volume of business was vastly greater than it is today. Cockran. Hon. he said: "A curious circumstance happened to me yesterday. August 26th: "Mr. August 12. and could not get it cashed at the banks in Washington. gives the following version of this fact. he had a check for $1oo payable on a New York bank. containing this debate. and I think that proposition can bc demonstrated to the satisfaction of any man who sits in this Hall. If a smaller amount of money be able to circulate a greater quantity of commodities. And here at the capital of this great nation.

I understand. I cannot give the reason for that. PATTERSON: Well. BYNUM: They are paying a premium for paper money. PATTERSON: Yes. He has that the silver dollar is worth to-day fifty-four cents. MR. but which they do not understand. Williams: MR. COX: I have listened with a great deal of pleasure to the gentleman's argument. HARTER: Fifty-eight cents. that. too. He declared that the cause of the panic originated from the fear of the people against the use of depreciated dollars. Mr. of Mississippi: If it be true that the masses who are scared by the causes which the gentle373 man states. of Tennessee: MR. WILLIAMS. The question is outside my line of thought and of my argument. they are paying a premium. COX: Will the gentleman from Ohio yield for an interruption? MR. unless it be to secure currency to pay wage-earners.[Laughter. Harter said that the silver dollar was worth only fifty-eight cents. is scared for a different reason. the New York banks were offering a premium for the standard silver dollar. is a business matter which I have not investigated. MR. of Tennessee. and that the capitalist. The following colloquy took place between him and Mr. On the same day.Mr. The following debate took place between him and Mr. HARTER: I yield with pleasure to my friend from Tennessee. At this identical period. MR. Speaker. strongly denounced silver in a speech made by him August 14th. who docs understand this question. why is it that the capitalists are to-day paying a premium for the silver dollar in New York City? MR. for other small currency. Patterson. Mr.
. Cox.] MR.

In further answer to my friend from Tennessee. the great national banks of New York City were discounting the checks of their depositors. please. delivered a speech laudatory of credit. after his failure to return to Congress in 1894. This distinguished (?) statesman. and you could not get it. Why not have morc money and less credit? My answer to that is this with credit you would not need the money and yon would not want it. as soon as your law becomes operative.' even in the commercial world. the world is not moving in that direction. Besides. Now. I say to him that while that is true to-day. bat you are proposing to change it. gladly accepted the post-
. and without credit it would not circulate. That is the present condition under limited coinage. by some mysterious process. 'than great riches. fifty-eight cents. fifty-eight cents? MR. and that every dollar in existence which is now held up to its full nominal value by our present law will sink to fiftyeight cents. do you know of any man in the United States who has silver dollars that he will sell at that price. under present conditions. The time has come when 'a good name is rather to be chosen. On August 21st. HARTER: To that I answer yes. Cooper.' A good name will cause the transfer of more property to-day than all the camels of Job could have carried. HARTER: Certainly not. the very morning that you have by your law established free coinage in this country. This is an example of the reckless statements put forth by these Cuckoo statements. But that is not 374 the point. of Indiana. confidence an inspiration and instrument of civilization. the question is. who. COX: One moment. the bullion value. and sets the sails of commerce upon the seas. Cash is the law of the savage." At the time he made those remarks. A good name unlocks the vaults of the usurer. COX: Well.MR. He said:"Some gentlemen may ask. had suddenly become an advocate of the gold standard national banking system. But I know every man who has a silver dollarMR. then it ceases to be true. turns the wheels of industry. whom I regard as an authority on his side of this subject. Does not the 58-cent silver dollar buy just as much of the products of this country as any other dollar? MR. Mr. however great the volume might be.

severely arraigned the supporters of the repeal bill. and we are now reaping the whirlwind. which would justify anybody in making the assertion that the United States Government is not good for every obligation that it has put upon the market. and probably discharged 376 him. He said: "I charge. asking for a contribution to procure the repeal of the Sherman act. Does he or any man from New York City deny? That was before the panic. They are the men who have sown the wind. who opposed the striking down of silver. that the advocates of this measure. Hendrix and the other national bank members of Congress He said: "Mr. Hendrix. There is nothing in or about the Sherman law. sir. these thick-and-thin gold men of the Democratic party and of the Republican party who have been endeavoring ever since I have been in Con to force this Government to an issue of cheap bonds." On August 14th. True. Cox made the following attack upon Mr. and has caused a run upon the banks and the withdrawal of large amounts of money from circulation. who sits just in front of me. Mr.375 mastership of a small city. condemning the clerk of that association for issuing that circular. are responsible for the excitement which has created the destruction of pub1ic confidence. I charge here in his presence that nearly one year ago there was issued from the Bankers' Association at New York a circular to the rural banks all over this country. Mr. delivered his defense of his position for this repeal. but have you retracted the purpose announced? I want a reply if I have done any one injustice. a second circular followed. there is no deduction that can be drawn from that law. "Did you tacitly agree or discuss the question in New York that yon would not rediscount notes from the South unless we would vote for the unconditional repeal of the Sherman act? Did not one of your speakers in one of your bankers' meetings openly declare that you could and would control the finances of this Government?
." This charge of conspiracy on the part of the gold standard national banking element in the House was not denied by the supporters of that system. Boatner. On the 1rst of August. in order to obtain some of that cash which he had denounced as "the law of the savage.

usually in the West New York exchange is at a small premium or at par. sir. "What have the banks of New York been doing to keep up confidence."Did your papers not boast that you had in your city two hundred millions of gold hoarded in your vaults? "If I do any man injustice. 377 "I thought that enormous. [Applause. But they lost confidence in each other. Let this Government rule for the people. made the following criticism on the national banks of that city. the banks of New York were refusing to pay checks drawn on deposits.] And there is such a splendid minority of them that have
. but here it appears by this Net York circular that there are other cities in the country that have not as much confidence in the New York banking system as the bankers in my own town. Let it rule its finances for the purpose of trade and commerce. After quoting a New York bank circular. Give as a fair and equal fight for human happiness. and forever let it put its everlasting stamp of indignation and condemnation on legislation that legislates one man's property up and another's down. He informed me that he could not take New York exchange for anything less than $1 on the hundred dollars or $10 on the thousand dollars. of Missouri. Nobody ever lost confidence in the banks of New York until after they entered into that conspiracy in April last to produce a panic in this country. They know each other too well [Laughter.]" At the time this debate was going on in the House.money famine and a panic. Mr. and were issuing Clearing House certificates in lieu of money. he said: "Fifty dollars on a thousand dollars in exchange on New York. I pause for correction Here is the fundamental error. Exchange on New York banks ranged at from ten to fifty dollars on the thousand. Mo. I received a few days ago a letter from the cashier of a bank in which I do my business at Hannibal. in my judgment. Why. Hatch.ooo. "Let me tell my New York friends right now that. In some of these other cities they will not take exchange on New York at less than $5o on the $1. On August 23d. the most herculean task ever attempted in any legislative body on the face of God's green earth since the creation of Adam down to the present time will be to restore confidence between the New York bankers.

by the decisions of our State courts. and that he was refused his own money. Hatch was not accepted by the able and brilliant Fellows. and for the past thirty days. and that he had presented a check for two hundred dollars at its counter for payment. continue in their course of increasing the volume of clearing house certificates and of denying to their depositors payment in lawful money of their checks. I offered on yesterday evening to give my distinguished friend from New York [Mr. The Missouri congressman truthfully portrayed the methods and character of the New York bankers in their systematic efforts to influence the legislation of congress. Why is it every national bank in the city of New York to-day. or any other gentleman from New York when he its the floor. exposed the conspiracy of the banks in aggravating the distress then prevalent. he said: "The question is. Fellows] part of my time.' "I ask the gentleman. the able financial editor of the New York Sun. but they cannot be expected to submit to it forever. and how it can be used as money without violating the laws of the United States? Do you pay any tax on it? What is it? The promise to pay of a class of men who will not take even their own promises to each other! And 378 tell me another thing. if the Bankrupt
. insolvent. without bringing on a catastrophe. that he had seventeen thousand dollars on deposit in a bank in New York City. has been doing business in open and notorious violation of the law. Thus far depositors have been very patient and have good-naturedly submitted to the enforced scaling down of their dues. that I suppose the next step would be to establish confidence between the bankers of New York on this side and those on the other side of the Canadian border. and I intended if he accepted it to make but one condition. Speaker. A member of that Congress bore testimony to the fact. how much longer our banks can. Matthew Marshal. On August 21. A bank that cannot or will not pay claims against it in the regular course of business is. and. but I wanted some legal ability to blaze the road along that way so as to point out in a clear manner the use of and the character of what is called 'clearing house certificates. to please tell us what a clearing house certificate is. 1893. "Mr.embellished the pages of New York financial history in the last few years by moving across the line into Canada. because we all know him to be a splendid lawyer. absolutely refusing to pay its checks when presented at the counter? Why is that?" This challenge of Mr.

379 During the panic now raging. C. It is said that this scheme netted this stock gambler the sum of $1o. " Acts like that described by Congressman Sibley never failed to win the admiration of the stock gambling element. He said: "We can only judge of the future by the past and 380
. They knew they were true in every particular. The press of the city glowingly referred to such achievements as "master strokes of financial genius. and it is said his profits through bear operations since this panic commenced have netted him in clear cash over $1o." The clique of national bank congressmen did not even attempt to repel these bitter accusations.ooo. a refusal by a bank for forty days to pay checks on demand would be a commission of bankruptcy. J. A tremendous fall of stocks immediately took place.ooo. were hailed as heroes by the smaller fry of Wall street.Act of 1867 were now in force. and this knave bought in vast quantities of the securities injuriously affected by this false rumor. I think he can afford to stand the suspension.ooo. Hon. And how did that body punish him for putting in circulation this false report? They suspended him for a year. Sibley referred to the false reports spread abroad by these lawless speculators. and excitedly announced that one of the greatest banks in the city had failed. Men who were able to engineer a comsummate piece of villainy like the above to a successful termination. and he instanced this recent case.ooo. who have circulated rumors by the wholesale. He said: "Another reason for your panic has been chargeable directly to the action of your Wall street gamblers. They permitted one of these gamblers to go into their chamber a few weeks ago and announce that one of the greatest banks in New York had failed. a stock gambler of Wall street rushed into the Stock exchange." Mr. Sibley spoke of the great decline in the farmlands since 1873. On August 18.

Upon reaching my home early in April. A great deal has been said during this debate as to the cause or causes of the trouble that is now upon us. This was the
. and he made this admission long before the Wilson tariff bill became a law.the present. I left my home on the shores of Puget Sound. and all this trouble was to result from the failure of the Fiftysecond Congress in its last session to repeal the so-called Sherman Act. On August 25th. interested selfishly in the repeal of the Sherman law and in their attempt to cause the issuance of goldbearing bonds. from New York and other money centers of the country. Pennsylvania farmlands to-day are not worth forty cents upon the dollar of what they were in 1873. it is much easier for people to tear down credit and confidence than it is to establish that credit and confidence. Sibley called to verify his statement. I found that circulars were being received by every banking man and by people engaged in every business on the Pacific coast." The gentleman upon whom Mr. He said: "There are many things I would be glad to say upon this subject. of Washington State. These people. but my time is limited. There was not a man who had not the utmost confidence in the banks throughout that entire country. The result of sending out these circulars over the West was that the confidence of people regarding financial conditions began to wane. so far as confidence was concerned. since you commenced hostile legislation against it. everything was as placid as a May morning. Hicks: I am sorry to say it is the fact. Everything has declined since you demonetized silver. Is not that correct? "Ma. "Now. I know that during the latter days of that Congress an effort was made here to repeal this purchasing clause of the so-called Sherman law. exposed the means practiced by the bankers of the East in strangling the industries of the Pacific coast. "I know that those attempts failed. were endeavoring to stampede business men all over the Western country into a support of their position. They contained notice that credits should be shortened and that money should be withdrawn in many instances where it had 381 been loaned to people in the West. I know that these circulars were full of statements foreboding financial disaster and ruin. they began to lose confidence in the banking and other financial institutions of their States and towns. when. and also to obtain an issue of gold-bearing bonds from the Government. and a fanatical believer in the efficacy of a high protective tariff. was a Republican member of Congress. When I came to this city last January to witness the closing of the Fifty-second Congress. Mr. Speaker. Representative Doolittle.

The wave of popular opinion has reached this House. But the following declaration made by Mr." clearly shows what influence was brought to bear upon Congress to procure this legislation. who will deny that the murderous panic of 1893 was planned by the national banking money power to force a repeal of the purchasing clauses? The whole tenor of the arguments advanced by those who urged the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law was to restore "confidence. The national banking money power once more gained its point by wholly eliminating the
. and a vote was taken on the measure. for an inspection of the vote bears testimony to the fact. and to maintain the credit of the United States. otherwise known as "Fort Sherman.immediate cause. An analysis of this vote will prove that the Eastern Democrats and Republicans cast an almost solid vote for the bill. and on the world. The silver problem will. It is also evident that President Cleveland "worked in Congress" by means of the enormous influence of his patronage. and try to bear alone a burden which civilized nations should share in common. The unconditional repeal of that clause did not leave a single law upon the statute-books of the nation that would provide for the coinage of a single additional dollar of silver. We are not to fool any longer with a depreciated and a rejected money metal. he said: "There are petitions from nearly thirteen thousand bankers in the hands of different members here which register the sentiment against the foolishness of our 382 silver-supporting policy." to prevent the exportation of gold to foreign countries. We can take care of the forty cents of credit in our silver dollar." In the light of this accumulated evidence. and the banks will take care to keep in such position as to meet the demands for foreign exchanges. that scores of members of the House voted to repeal the purchasing clause who had been lifelong advocates of the free coinage of silver." The debate upon the repeal bill came to an end An-gust 28th. President of the First National Bank of New York City. and it was adopted by 239 yeas to 108 nays. On August 28th. I know. We can keep all of our large stock in free circulation on a parity with gold. generally over the Pacific coast of the failures that followed. Hendrix. after our action remain in the world. It betokens a revolution in the American mind. bat not on this country alone.

" It appears. In speaking of the effect of the action of the House upon the price of silver. The action of the House gave great satisfaction to 383 the money-leading classes of England. deprived of the support of the Sherman Act. as the following extracts from the London press abundantly prove. the London Times. Is it not singular." On the same day the Pall Mall Gazette editorially said: "When confidence -and credit are restored by the repeal of the pernicious Sherman Act. that the sole object of repealing the purchasing clause of the Sherman law was for the express purpose of depriving silver of its only support. met the hearty approval of the influential press of Great Britain?
To Chapter XII To the Table of Contents
. thus lowering its value. will sink to a level too low to suit the bi-metallist notions of a proper ratio or to facilitate the establishment of a double standard. that every effort made by the associated banks of the United States against silver. therefore. said: "It is the expiring effort of the silver party. Silver. bet a great victory for common sense and the single standard. the task of fiscal reform (single gold standard) in the United States will become easier.further use of silver as money." The Daily News of the same date thus expressed its views: "The Daily News to-day expresses the opinion that the repeal of the Sherman Act will prove a serious blow to bi-metallists throughout the world. the New York bankers cabled the news to London. on August 29th. Immediately upon the repeal of the purchasing clause by the House. and thereby furnishing reasons against its use as money.

attacking the credit of the Government. it is money kings. the turmoil in. who buy up Congress. it is not the corruption of the humbler classes . aggravating the distress then prevalent. in universal suffrage as fitted to secure the best results that human nature leaves possible If corruption seems rolling over us like a flood. 385 Thousands of depositors immediately withdrew their money from the banks.The Coming Battle
384 CHAPTER XII. it is the demagogues and editors in purple and fine linen who bid $5o. Hundreds of great failures were occurring. who steal banks.it is millionaires. The juggernaut which the New York bankers had sent forth to trample down the business of the country in order to influence Congress. had got beyond the control of those lawless financiers who had assailed the credit of the nation. did not impair
.
"I believe in the people. fell with a crash that shook the business interests of the nation from one end to the other. The concerted cry of "want of confidence" in the ability of the Government to redeem its obligations."Wendell Phillips. including banks as well as other lines of business.ooo for the presidency itself. the business dries throughout the United States was beyond the powers of description. That the rumors set afloat by the banks. The colossal credit system. mills and railways. SENATE VOTES FOR REPEAL. with ten-fold force. to assail the very national banks which had originated that false and delusive rumor. who live in palaces and make away with millions. which had been built up by the national banking money power. While this great debate was taking place in the House. and who had destroyed the property rights of tens of thousands. it is defaulters. returned.

Besides these lawless acts. In the meantime. which had demanded and secured the passage of that law. issued clearing house certificates to the amount of $63. silver. treasury notes. the New York banks refused to cash the checks of their depositors. Boston has $11. Other bankers in the South and West perhaps have enough more out to make fifty millions of bank certificates.ooo.38o. which were used to pay their depositors in lieu of money. was the first who violated its provisions.1oo.. The very banking power. the money brokers of New York were charging enormous rates of interest. In a short time. and they. a New York banking house issued the following circular letter August 18th: "The New York City banters have $37. Gold was not demanded. A financial writer of New York City stated that Russell Sage made a daily profit of twenty thousand dollars by loaning money at an enormous rate of interest during the panic. This act of the associated banks of the East. and charged a premium of three per cent. were taken with avidity by the withdrawing depositors and hoarded.ooo certificates outstanding. in common with the banks of Boston and Philadelphia. and silver certificates. Adding these various amounts together.ooo.ooo by selling currency at a premium.the confidence of the depositors in its financial ability is demonstrated to a certainty.ooo. was a clear violation of the law which assessed a tax of ten per cent. we find a possible increase of about one hundred millions since July 1 to replace the unknown amount of currency and gold drawn out of the banks and hoarded in vaults and other places since May last. The Washington Post is authority for the statement that one firm of money brokers in New York City 386 made a profit of $6oo. in issuing these certificates. and were selling money at a premium ranging from three to seven per cent. upon State bank notes. As proof of the foregoing facts. Greenbacks. "Where
. and all other paper designed to circulate as money except national bank notes. for paying out the money which they owed to the public. the New York banks were unable to pay their depositors.

MR. HAUGEN: It was much higher than it is now? MR. Credit seems to have been strained from here to the Pacific coast. St. ST. 1894. JOHN: The Mercantile National Bank of New York never exacts more than 5 per cent. your explanation as to how there can be a remedy for the high price of money in the agricultural districts in crop-moving
. Lenders got anything they chose to exact." "Currency commands three per cent. he testified as follows:MR. MR. There was one instance during that panic of 1893 in which we did exact 8 per cent. of Indiana: Can you give us. JOHN: There was no current rate. under the present administration of thirteen years. and has sold as high as five per cent. 276 per cent. I think. and might have exacted 20 per cent. and attacked on all sides and benefiting but few. in a succinct form. Mr. We had been badly abused. per annum for some days. HAUGEN: What was the current rate about? MR. JOHN: Yes. and 387 he would not permit this bank to practice the extortion in vogue at the other banks. Eastern banks appear to have no sympathy for Western methods in not issuing bank certificates. from its dealers.it resembled the one talent more than the ten talents. premium. HAUGEN: What rate of interest did you charge during the panic a year ago? MR. Many Western people claim the degree of credit desired by Eastern bankers is shown by their willingness to pay depositors. ST. John was at the head of this institution. JOHNSON. brokers paid on prime security three-fourths per cent per day and 5 per cent per annum. Many individuals have sold their checks on the street for funds to meet maturing obligations or mate needed purchases. Exchange on this city from many Western cities has recently ranged from five to fifty dollars per $1.ooo. MR. ST. in December." The Mercantile National Bank of New York City was the only bank that did not exact unlawful rates of interest. When before the House Committee on Currency.

388 It has been asserted by competent authority. "Third. St. are demanding rates of interest higher than those
. the national banks. That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to inform the Senate "First." and that they. 1893. that this money was loaned out by them through brokers at the rates of interest stated by Mr. issued certificates for sums as low as fifty cents. Whether. ST. the banks. I would do so with the same certainty that I have mentioned as pertaining to New York. I would like to lend much of my money in Louisville. had not the money to pay claims against them. the following resolutions of inquiry were offered in the Senate by Mr. New York. but the great elevator owners and flour manufacturers of Minneapolis bought millions of bushels of wheat by paying for it in certificates similar to those of New York City. The statements of President St. or any of them. and Philadelphia are being now conducted in violation of law. Whether said banks are paying depositors' checks promptly in lawful money.. Not only did the banks of New York City disobey the law by issuing clearing house certificates. I merely tale Louisville as the illustration. and in what respect. that the depositors were frightened by "want of confidence.times? MR. Bourke Cockran declared that the country was suffering from a redundancy of currency! The unlawful acts of the New York banks became so notorious that. The excuse tendered by the banks for not paying out money was. The clearing house of Birmingham. in the cities of Boston. that while these banks were refusing to pay out the funds due their tore. Ala. Whether said banks. Peffer:"Resolved. "Second. JOHN: If there were a larger aggregate of money in the United States it could circulate over our vast territory without occasioning alarm. an the 22d of August. that the Hon. and awards a view of the Shylock tactics practiced by the money lords of the East. It was during this time of scarcity of money. viz. John. If I knew that the world believed that Louisville is absolutely prosperous. because you mention it. or any of them. John shows the extent of the panic in New York City. 276 per centum.

In reply to the remarks of Senators McPherson and Gorman. the only object of a reference to the committee is for the purpose of not acting upon it. Senator McPherson. I will go with him as far as he will go in the effort to keep out partisanship in the disposition of the financial question. I spoke upon this subject last February when I thought I saw the danger coming to the country. moved its reference to the Finance Committee. I did not hear the eloquent voices of some other gentlemen aiding me in that contest. Senator Gorman apologized for the delinquent banks and asserted that. the national bank sugar trust speculator. I think. as have been the efforts of the Senator from Maryland. I judged that much from the suggestion of the Senator from Massachusetts.No. He argued that the banks were the best Judges of what should be done in the case. From the hour we first met in this body my efforts have been toward bringing about a proper solution of the question. a conceded violation of the law on the part of national banks. many of these banks would be compelled to close their doors." 389 Immediately upon the appearance of this resolution. He disavowed any intention of saying that there had been any wrong anywhere. as the Senator from Maryland can possibly be to relieve the financial distress of this country. 'Yes. This was done for the purpose of smothering the resolution. if the Comptroller strictly enforced the law. just as earnest.provided by law for the loan of money or in discounting notes and bills. for the purpose of suppressing it in the interest of the public welfare.' 390 That is the idea we get from his remarks. Then the Senator from Maryland steps forward and says. That seems to be the idea. it ought to be investigated. and my efforts have been just as zealous. "What is the precise question? Gentlemen do not understand one another upon the other side of it. sir. My position upon this great financial question has not been misunderstood. There has never been a cause so bad in
. wrinkled at by officials. there has been a violation of the law. whether it is true or not. I thought I heard an intimation that there bad been something wrong somewhere. Senator Hill said: "I am as anxious. I do not know whether that is true or not. For what purpose is the resolution to be referred? As I understand the Senator from Maryland. "What do you want to refer to this committee? Is it a committee of investigation to investigate the acts of the Comptroller of the Currency? .

put into a committee and there pigeonholed? Can we not stand the light of day on this subject? Cannot the acts of our officials. What reason can there be given against it? "The Senator from Maryland says there are great times in the history of the country when we must rise above partisanship. and every person will be apt to inquire to-morrow morning what has been done by national banks. and what has been done by the Comptroller of the Currency. "The resolution is a simple one. it is a simple. put down. "Are you afraid of the facts? This very debate will cause inquiry into what has been done. What has that to do with suppressing an ordinary resolution of inquiry? The resolution does not provide for the appointment of a committee to investigate anybody. or by the national banks of the country. The resolution does not provide for making charges against anybody.No. What is the objection to it? Is it a proposition to try the Comptroller of the Currency? Is it a proposition to arraign the national banks for a violation of their duty? . Why can we not make that inquiry now? I appeal to the Senators around this Chamber that there s no reasonable. ordinary and proper resolution. shelved. I agree with him. What has that to do with this question? There are great times when we mast be equal to the occasion.
. This debate in the Senate of the United States will direct attention 391 to the question. The details of the resolution I do not propose to give. then they will report the resolution. they will not report the resolution. whoever they may be-and I myself make no charges against them whatever . tenable objection that is presented why the resolution should not be passed. but if they find everything has been right. that the Senate of the United States dare not pass a simple.the history of the country that its advocates have not always felt that they acted in the interest of the public welfare. so far as he understands what has been done. What is it? It simply asks the Comptroller of the Currency to give us certain information in his possession as to what has been done in his office. and the fair inference from his remarks is that if they find anything wrong. Why should not the distinguished Senator from Kana' be treated the same as every other member of this body? He has the same rights to offer a resolution and have it passed. ordinary resolution of inquiry? What are you afraid of? Are we not trying to quiet the existing panic? Is the panic to be quieted by each proceedings as this? Are resolutions calling for information to be suppressed.stand a simple inquiry? "What will this committee do? The Senator from New Jersey says that the committee will look into the matter. and I say courtesy to the distinguished Senator from Kansas entitles the resolution to be passed here and now.

which is to transmit money from one bank to another. Daring the debate on the motion to refer to the Finance Committee." Senator Washburn expressed his fears that the passage of the resolution would dose almost every bank in the country."How long is it since a resolution of inquiry has been referred to a committee before being allowed to pass? I have not heard it in the last year and a half that I have been here." The Senator who made the above statement was a supporter of the national banking system. It is a simple. and place it in the hands of a receiver. and other cities which I might mention. it seems to me. it is not a question of patriotism. Commerce can scarcely be carried on unless that function is in active force. They are the agencies of commerce. have 393 simply declined to pay drafts drawn on them by outside banks for the money that those banks
. we should loot forward to with great hesitation. or of good common sense to infect anything of that kind into the present deplorable condition. and all around. legitimate information spread upon 392 the records of the Senate. unless bills of exchange can be used. the result of which will be to close almost every bank in the country and place it in the hands of a receiver. Therefore. I do not agree with him in his peculiar notions of finance I do not belong to his party. ordinary question of senatorial courtesy. that it will be notice to the Comptroller of the Currency to administer the law literally and technically. and who violated the laws of State and nation in almost every transaction in which they were engaged. and there can be no objection to it. It is not a question as to what should be done in this great hour of distress. of party. who attacked the credit of the United States. He has his own viewers upon these questions. duty of patriotism. Business cannot be done between New Orleans and Chicago. Senator Teller said: "The banks have another function. but he has a right to have any proper. and I have heard no reason yet presented why the resolution of the Senator from Kansas should not be passed. "Have these banks fulfilled that function? For more than six weeks the banks of the city of New York. New Orleans and New York. I say to you. That is a calamity which. He said: "It seems to me if the resolution is passed and we receive the reply which is inevitable. and the remarque above quoted will exhibit the lawless character of those men. I do not believe it is the.

' " Senator Butler added the following testimony to that adduced by Mr. He said that that bank at first declined to do it. as President of a large manufacturing establishment in the South. through other agencies. who tells me that through his bank he had a draft of $7.' 'To pay 1 1/2 per cent. Between a city that is entered by at least six railroad trains a day. `We will present no drafts to the banks of Philadelphia. and the bank there returned it to him saying. which he seat to a bank in the city of New York. 'I was obliged to pay it. for sending him his own money. the rates of exchange have been $3 on the hundred.and we may as well speak plainly .ooo on a Philadelphia bank. and we will not pay it.' Then. I met a gentleman on a train last night.ooo in currency and charged him 1 1/2per cent. He said: "I would state one fact which comes within my own personal knowledge.have on deposit. 'You certainly did not pay it?' 'Why.I do not know about that . Allison: A national bank? "Mr. As has been stated by some Senator. The Sherman Act has about as much to do with that want of confidence as a pebble in a millpond has to do with stirring the waters. and the city of New York. sir. Butler: I am not prepared to say that it was a national bank . for sending you your own money?' Yes. unless we are all misinformed. I believe that a check on a man's own deposit has to be discounted at 3 per cent. Teller. "I have in my drawer here a letter from a Western banker. I said to this gentleman. "Mr." These were but a few of the facts brought oat by the debate on this resolution with reference to
. he had deposited in one of the banks of the city of New York a large amount of money.but it was one of the banks of the city of New York. and had telegraphed and written to that bank to send him $5. and between the city of New York and the sty of Philadelphia there has been an absolute refusal on the part of the banks of Philadelphia to pay drafts on the sty of New York in any kind of money. this banker sent his draft to Philadelphia for money admitted to belong to the drawer. brought about by the Sherman Act.ooo of currency with which to pay his laborers on Saturday night.and the sooner the country finds it out the better it will be for everybody.' That is one instance. a want of honesty . and can be reached in twenty-four hours. It is. because they decline to pay. who informed me that.' said 394 he. and the banks of Philadelphia simply add: 'We cannot afford to pay this. but finally sent him $5. "I have heard a great deal about the want of confidence in the country.

not simply the Sherman silver purchase bill. Boston. They hailed the recent action of India with ill-concealed satisfaction.repeated violations of law. "The best financial system in the world could not stand such an organized and vicious attack
. predicted the direst disaster. the Senate was debating the question of repealing the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. and of the mean oppressions practiced upon the people by those lawless national bankers. and Philadelphia were violating the law. That fact is apparent everywhere we turn. and attempted in every way to spread distrust broadcast throughout the land." The resolution was finally referred to the Finance Committee. 395 During this time. and night. morning. attacked the credit of the Government. They denounced. especially in the silver States. passed absurd and alarming resolutions. strongly arraigned those men who brought on the panic. that the resolution did not call for official information. With ghoulish glee they welcomed every bank failure. of New York. On September 16th. sought to exact a premium upon currency. It will be noticed that the Comptroller himself did not reply to the resolution. Furthermore. the Deputy Comptroller made a report in reply thereto. and. but the future use of silver as money. They talked against silver. Senator Hill. was cognizant of the methods of the national banks composing that body. they circulated false petitions. who had boasted that they would teach the people an "object lesson. the sub-treasury in New York City was a member of the Clearing House Association. as such. We observe it in their senseless arguments constantly used against free bi-metallic coinage and their ceaseless endeavors to confuse the present issue by characterizing it as a contest between monometallism and bemetallism. in order to further discredit silver as a part of the standard money of the coin. in which he stated that the Comptroller had no official information that the national banks of New York. They encouraged the hoarding of money. On August 25th. they inaugurated the policy of refusing loans to the people even upon the best of security. noon. and secondly. He said: "Some portion of the present panic may be traced to a concerted effort on the part of numerous monometallists to produce it. They seemed to be delighted when the first ray of financial trouble appeared. little dreaming that such failures would soon occur at their own doors. which subsequently reported it back in a modified form and it was passed.

and men wholly unfamiliar with the true principles of monetary science.represent largely the creditor class. and the clouds that lower upon our house will be in the deep bosom of the ocean buried. On October 17th. was that in which Senator Sherman became a conspicuous adviser of President Cleveland and Secretary Carlisle! The strange anomaly of this lifelong Republican becoming a warm supporter of the financial policy of the administration is one of the wonders of American politics. and we are all now reaping the whirlwind together. give the Senate free power and play. to whom nothing was sacred during their traitorous warfare against the nation and the people. the men who desire to appreciate the gold dollar in order to subserve their own selfish interests. He said: "In the present condition of affairs there is no money to buy cotton and corn and wheat for foreign consumption. who. intensified. these men are now utterly unable to control it. men who revel in hard 396 times. has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the greatest of American financiers. check this viper called obstruction to the will of the majority. occurring during the struggle for repeal." Is it not remarkable that this man. business will resume its ordinary course. "It is not strange that the present panic has been induced. and in ten days from this time the skies will brighten. men who drive harsh bargains with their fellow men in periods of financial distress." The courage of the New York Senator was grandly illustrated in this speech. Senator Sherman made the following prediction of the astonishing benefits that would accrue from a repeal of the Sherman law.upon it. for many 397 years. They have sown to the wind. One of the singular incidents. in which he points out the unlimited greed of those so-called financiers. should
. These disturbers-these promoters of the public peril . Break down the barrier now maintained by the Senate of the United States. and protracted by reason of these malign influences. Having contributed much to bring about the present exigency.

taking him to task for what it called a dereliction of duty in not forcing a vote upon the bill. Nor will the time ever again
.ooo. when reference is had to the gold and silver production of the United States. the louder they roar. within a period of three years. the measure could not be forced through that body as rapidly as the national banking power desired. From 1792. the value of gold produced in this country was $1. workingmen will lose their situations. Banks will fail. assert that a repeal thereof would brighten the skies. In fact.987. manufactories will close. until the mind cure is effected. and then. $841. excess of gold over silver. there will be a shortage of money for crop-moving. those Senators in favor of that measure persistantly urged as a reason for repeal that a "flood of silver" threatened the financial stability of the Government. railroads will default. up to and inclusive of 1892. The medicine of the silver crisis is still working and the pangs which it produces mill be more acute as the time goes on.ooo.869. of silver only $1. cause the resumption of business.146. On August 26th. affairs will grow steadily worse. the tighter will those pocketbooks be closed. Chairman of the Finance Committee. the New York Evening Post uttered the following implied threats because the Sherman law was not repealed. Senators may roar against capitalists till the crack of doom without opening the pocketbook of one of them.influence Congress to enact the law of July 14 1890.ooo. The absurdity of that line of argument is apparent.ooo. It said: 398 "We hear a great many reports from Washington to the effect that the Senate is firm against any repeal of the Silver Purchase law. and bury the clouds in the bosom of the ocean? Under the rules of the Senate.ooo. We advise the public to attach little importance to the state of mind which prevails at the present moment in the Senate or among the senators' constituents. Senator Teller challenged the gold monometallists to point out where this "flood of silver" was stored up. In this great debate upon the bill to repeal the purchasing cause of the Sherman law. One calamity mill come thundering after another until the only possible remedy is applied. They feebly referred to India! The New York Press indulged in a vicious tirade upon Senator Voorhees.

There is a feeling that the strain is not as great as it was. because of a tacit arrangement not to unloose it until the Senate votes for repeal. while possessing millions of idle cash. "To this end correspondents of the New York banks in the West and South have been told that they need not expect to get money from New York until the purchasing clause was repealed. published the following: "There are ominous rumors in the street that New York will again put the screws on the Senate. much that was said has been
. The public have learned that the influence of the silver bill on business has been overestimated. and they spoke the sentiment of that power." The Philadelphia Press of the same date said: "The New York banks for several days have been endeavoring to bring a home influence on United States Senators. especially if they are likely to be unpleasant." These papers were organs of the national banks. Now. On September 22d. The predictions of those who have urged that everything depended on repeal have not been verified. This movement has given rise to the recent feeling in New York that the silver majority in the Senate could be overcome. to induce them to vote for the repeal of the July silver 1am. if the gold exporting movement began. and the Southern and Western bankers have strongly urged to write to their senators and insist that they work and vote for immediate repeal. but the hardening of the rate of sterling exchange st the time of large merchandise exports and in the middle of our exporting season. a financial paper of New York City. is regarded as invincible. There is one point lacking in any program of this kind. when concentrated on any object. and improvement is hoped for. and on which popular argument could be based. but no one is disposed to contemplate future conditions. Indeed. The requirements of money for the crops will also be a potent factor. Hence we repeat that the frame of mind that the Senate may be in at the present time is no index of what it may be two weeks hence. as the influence of 399 the banks of the metropolis. There is dynamite enough in the financial situation to burst the Senate and both political parties. the Daily Indicator. Some anxiety exists as to the action of savings bank depositors when the thirty and sixty day limit expires next month. that would be another striking occurrence on which to impinge public thought. looks as if gold exports would be made to influence the silver lunatics here is no question but that the banks of New York are still withholding money from merchants. Whether this is street talk or not remains to be seen.come when money can be obtained with the customary ease so long as that silver law stands unrepealed.

the New York Tribune cautioned the bankers to refrain from giving publicity to their threats. It is not to be supposed that these influential bankers are deliberately trying to get up another panic. might. it would be said that the gold went 400 out at the behest of Wall street. and the feeling that the influence of the law was wildly exaggerated for political effect has spread at Washington and elsewhere. because any worthy body of citizens advocate it with peculiar zeal. prove extremely costly to the banks and to the business men of this city. "It is not as if there were any important end to be gained by such alarming utterances. On the contrary." These are but a few of the many thousand bold utterances of the subsidized press of the national banking money power. then no facts could ever be proven. September 29th. and they afford conclusive evidence that the panic of 1893emanated from the concentrated money power of the East. bet are eminently calculated to do me harm. Such statements are not likely to do any whatever. If the foregoing are not evidence of the power of the New York banks to destroy the business of the country. Several of them ate reported as having made particularly alarming statements regarding the disasters which. Exports of gold at this time might emphasize this feeling and. "They might well remember. will follow a failure of the Senate to the pending Silver Purchase repeal bill. they venture to predict. rightly or wrongly. particularly with some members of the Senate from the West and South whose support of the repeal bill is essential. with all its distressing consequences. Not an hour old be gained in the Senate for the repeal cause by any such movement.disproved by recent occurrences. Senators of the United States 401 ought to be far above more prejudice against a measure. however. That some Senators are not is the unfortunate fact. that the remarks they are reported as having made. it is highly probable that the urgency of New York bankers may go far to prejudice the very cause they desire to aid. in the judgment of those who know the
. It said:"The Tribune trusts that bankers of this city will permit a suggestion which is for their own as well as the public interest. in a certain contingency. The idea that a measure is passionately desired by New York bankers.

" In the meantime. before the widespread disasters which it was hoped to aver had come. Whether all these things would have resulted at once is not the question. September 17th. What this banker thinks many other sound businessmen are thinking. A considerable of the manufacturing force of the whole country stopped operations. More than seven hundred banks have failed with liabilities amounting to more than $170. is apt to damage that measure more than it will help it. they may find it wise not to talk vehemently for publication. the New York bankers were holding meetings. The repeal bill is. and bring untold millions hither from England. Its anticipated effect." The Tribune proceeds to warn the banks against expecting too much from the repeal of the Sherman law.: "There was such agreement some time ago. September 17th. But it is not so clear noir as it was then supposed to be that a single act of legislation would unlock countless hoards. a wise and highly desirable measure. In many ways the conditions have changed. he said. would have been largely sentimental. "One of the ablest bankers in this city.000. A New York special to the Washington Post. and formulating plans to compel the Senate to act with more haste.
. having charge of a very important bank.000. contained the following remarkable language: "New York. If bankers of this city wish to do their utmost to assist the passage of the repeal bill. but it was no longer possible to restore confidence entirely and instantly. It said. recently remarked that it was no longer clear to him that repeal of the silver act would accomplish what he had expected. as we believe. "It is a less important fact that sound business men are not by any means agreed about the necessity of action on the silver question at this time. and restore confidence and set all the mills at work. 402 It does not seem to them wise any longer to hold out the idea that all our fortunes in this great country must turn upon an event which is not certain to take place.Senate best. There have been many thousand failures. as he had thought it might be restored some months ago. But it is hardly wise or desirable to stake the future of all business upon the action or inaction of the Senate of the United States.

the banking men were talking this evening about the difficulty of understanding what Voorhees was trying to gain by what was considered his too-considerate treatment of the silver minority. in which was detailed a financial plan concocted by these financiers. "Practically the same opinions are held by business men who have no banking interests. We know the ways of Senators pretty well. but that the Indiana Senator had not lived up to the confidence reposed in him. we cannot be blamed for believing that there is something behind it all. he must find himself under the necessity of explaining what are his concealed motives. and we can understand some of the motives that seem to actuate Senator Voorhees. the sentiment was given voice that the delay in the passage of the repeal bill had reached a point that needed explanation. almost the same idea was expressed. or Representative. 'Candidly. Chicago. What does it mean? I ask the question because we must know. Boston. 'we did not 403 expect repeal to have been accomplished by this time. It proposed that Congress enact a law providing that. If we are not given satisfactory reasons for the delay. It was argued that the Democratic caucus had done all it could. But his refusal to come to New York and talk with us has suggested wrong motives. where the Democratic bankers principally gather. who would not completely subject himself to their beck and call was liable to incur their censure.' said a banker of high standing to the Post correspondent. decide that the country is in a state of panic. What can be Senator Voorhees' personal interest in keeping back repeal? That's what we'd like to know. it will be seen that they regarded Congress as a mere servant of the money power. " From the language of these bankers. but is rejected as unbelievable by others. whenever the clearing houses of New York City. but Senator Voorhees personally was held responsible. and at the Windsor Hotel. as we have not to this hour. and that the Senator. but the celerity with which the House passed the bill gave us reason to believe like speed would follow in the Senate. At the Manhattan Club. The same assertion is made more bluntly in the open street. We have a right to know."In a group of bankers at the Union Club to-day. The Clearing House Association of New York City transmitted a circular to various members of Congress. of pressing for a vote. these associations could deposit securities with the Government which would put up money for these great
. and his weak stand against the aggression of the silver Senators is more than we can fathom. "The feeling here is that unless in a day or two Voorhees performs without further delay what is considered his duty.' "This talk of other motives than politics behind the delay has gained currency among certain bankers. and other great cities. for his political interests are to our minds not enough to explain the strange delay.

because the administration will not pass any financial legislation without consulting us. 404 This is an example of the arrogant demands of the panic breeders." Another banker. stock. of August. 405 The New York World. A reporter requested the opinion of Mr. That these men presumed that they owned the fee simple of the United States Government. upon the merits of the proposed measure. but do not think that I would like it. the repeal bill was passed October 30. The effects of the panic. However. 1893. 1893. on being interviewed by the reporter. stated that no financial bill would pass which did not meet the approval of the bankers. The decline of prices of agricultural products. After a short debate the House concurred in the Senate amendments.financial rings. hence there need be no anxiety on the part of the public regarding the subject. and grain gamblers. published by a New York paper. since the repeal of the purchasing clause. President of a great national bank of New York. Simmons. He said:"Well I have not examined the proposition very closely. which was created by the national banking money power to coerce Congress into repealing the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. was
. After a long debate in the Senate. Simmons replied as follows. It was sent back to the House for concurrence. published a list of great railway companies whose bonds declined in value from ten to fifty-five percent. In substance it is as follows: It was rumored that the President and the Secretary of the Treasury had a conference with reference to removing the ten per cent. 1893. railway wreckers. These were gold bonds. and the bill became a law November 1. there need not be any solicitude. tax on State bank notes. as the Senate had added a few slight amendments to the House bill. is evident from an interview with a banker. are beyond the descriptive powers of language. trust organizers. Mr.

1893. Cotton fell two and one-fourth cents per pound. 406 The extent of suffering among the working classes cannot be estimated.greater than ever before known.889. " Other competent writers estimate the shrinkage of values. at not less than twenty billions. And yet the passage of that Repeal Act was procured on the false pretense that prosperity would return to bless the people. was $70. wheat sold for 43 cents per bushel.779. with liabilities of $346. We quote New York prices. Other agricultural products fell at the same ratio.
. a decrease of fourteen cents. all of which was the direct result of the conspiracy organized by the national banking money power. The total loss on wheat to the farmers for the year 1893. in a single year after that act was consummated. The New York Tribune estimated the shrinkage of value of all kinds of property at ten billions of dollars during this panic. It was further stated that the repeal of the Sherman law was necessary to prevent the exportation of gold from the United States. amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. which it bad urged the bankers to inflict upon the. On June 1. in 1893 and 1894.242. The number of failures for the year 1893 loomed up to the portentous figures of 15. and which was executed by its minions throughout the length and breadth of this land. it brought 69 cents. one hundred and twenty millions of dollars in gold were drawn out of the Treasury by that set of knaves who had urged repeal as a means to protect the gold reserve. It is safe to state that the loss on agricultural products. On October 31st. for.000.000. resulting from the repeal of the Sherman law in the United States and the closing down of the mints of India to the free coinage of silver. This was another hypocritical plea to aid in the passage of the repeal.people as an "object-lesson.

To Chapter XIII To the Table of Contents
.It was lamentable.

have a right to complain of the injustice of their Government. as they readily perceived that this amount of money would escape their control. who have neither the time nor the means to secure like favors to themselves.ooo of currency. Among these proposed bills was Senate bill 453.ooo. Senator Cockrell brought forward an amendment. the humble members of society.The Coming Battle
407 CHAPTER XIII. There were many 408 individual holders of these bonds who would have gladly availed themselves of the opportunity to obtain these notes by deposit of bonds therefor. and exclusive privileges. mechanics. gratuities. and laborers. to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful.. by which the holders of United States bonds Could deposit them with the Secretary of the Treasury. and receive therefore an amount of United States legal tender notes of the same nature as greenbacks. to grant titles.Andrew Jackson. The banks were powerful enough to defeat this amendment which would have set afloat many
. This was applying the principle of bond security for th4~se proposed notes. The national banks immediately opposed this amendment. equal to the par value of the bonds so deposited. During the struggle for the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. to permit national batiks to issue circulating notes up to the par value of the bonds deposited for the security of their circulating notes. the farmers. several financial measures were introduced in Congress. EFFORTS OF ADMINISTRATION TO FORCE CARLISLE BILL THROUGH CONGRESS
"When the laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions. This bill proposed to donate to these banks an additional $25.

and thus dispose of them on a rising market. The measure was so skillfully drawn that it would have placed the entire country at the absolute mercy of the railways. bookkeepers. and security offered therefor. introduced House bill 2. or trusts. they were precipitated by the conduct of the officers and directors squandering the money of depositors in speculation. or any of its clerks. It was evident that the stock gamblers who attempted to railroad this bill through Congress. agents. Comptroller of the Currency. This bill was in charge of Mr. The national banks and their allies. that on December 5. to a meeting of the board of directors of such banking association. A great many of these failures were national banks. Eckels. its vice-president. and Mr. and accepted and approved by a majority of those present Constituting a quorum. servants. as
. or of the executive committee of such board. or other persons in its employ until the proposition to make such a loan. shall have been submitted in writing by the person desiring the same. pure and simple. an advocate of the single gold standard.344. It was a stock gambling scheme. Patterson. of Tennessee. and. were actuated with the sole purpose of enhancing the value of railroad stocks and bonds. if any. stating the amount. This bill had been before the House for some time. they made an effort to force a bill through the House to permit railway corporations to form pools. were so elated over their success in securing the repeal of the purchasing clause. It failed to go through the Senate.000. During the great panic which was ravaging the country." The provisions of this bill would impose a most salutary check upon those officers and directors of national banks who endeavored to use the money of their depositors in stock gambling and grain speculations. in many instances. the stock gamblers.000. Mr. its cashier. which read as follows: "That no national banking association shall make any loan to its president. Cox. Although the iniquity of this bill was thoroughly exposed by those who opposed it. to maintain high rates of transportation. opposed its passage in the following language: "It would be unwise to forbid an association to loan or to discount for its several directors. tellers. 409 To remedy this evil. 1894. the House passed it by a decisive vote. terms. more than seven hundred banks had failed with liabilities of $170.millions of legal tender currency.

this bill was called up by Mr. railway magnates. and those who monopolize the various lines of business. The following debate took place between Mr. MR. of Pennsylvania. Bingham: MR. 1893. That is the kind of question I like. Among those who vehemently attacked this measure were Mr. a banker of Illinois. in a measure. COX: I think the original language of the bill included them. I want to put this practical proposition to the gentlemanMR. On October 16. but they are now included by amendment.they are usually selected from among the leading men of the various branches of business. Cox and Mr. for the reason that they possess information of great value in passing upon paper offered by those in some line of trade with themselves. BINGHAM: Will the gentleman permit an inquiry? MR. and Mr. Cannon. Lockwood. I was a director of a bank. BINGHAM: What paragraph of this bill includes directors? MR. but I am simply putting my proposition in that way. MR. Mr. of New York. BINGHAM: Now. organizers of trusts. Bingham. MR. COX: That is right. as well as those stock gambling members. " This remarkable language of the Comptroller. posed its passage.
. op. MR. that the officers and directors of national banks consisted chiefly of the great speculators. BINGHAM: I do not say that I am personally. and immediately every national banker in Con410 gress. Cox. COX: With pleasure. until sent here. stock gamblers. COX: So was I. BINGHAM: I am a director of a bankMR. corroborates the statement. MR. COX: Well.

DOOLITTLE: Stop stock gambling. or Chicago. solvent. what am I to do? I put that to the gentlemen as a business proposition. how am I to do that business if I have to wait for a quorum. MR. BINGHAM: I am a director of a bank and I am also a stockbroker.
. Three o'clock comes and if I have not placed my stock and secured my cus[411]⇓ tomers and covered my margins. MR. The market is an active market. $3oo. $2ooo.ooo often larger amounts. or any of the other large cities where such transactions often cover millions of dollars. But what ought that man to do. and I never saw a bank in my life. BINGHAM: Oh. MR. MR. MR. even in the rural districts. BINGHAM: A director is paid no salary. At 1 or 2 o'clock in the day my customers come in and buy large amounts of stocks and sell large amounts of stocks.ooo. Now.MR.ooo. and what ought the cashier to do in a good. MR. where you could not get an executive board of two members together. COX: Is not banking a vocation? MR. they ought to get the executive board together. or Philadelphia.] MR. BINGHAM: That is the interest upon his money. for which I give the best gilt-edged collateral in the market. it is not stock gambling. Between 2 and half-past 2 o'clock I have to take the securities that I have bought for my customers on a margin (the universal way of doing such business and go to the banks and borrow $1oo. COX: I am aware of that. BINGHAM: Because the men arc engaged in their regular vocations. doing a large stockbroking business. I have described a very ordinary transaction in New York. COX: He gets his salary in the way of dividends and profits. COX: Why not? MR. well-regulated bank? When the broker comes and makes his application for a loan to meet the transactions of the day. [Laughter. MR. A directorship in a bank is not a paying employment. that broker who wanted the money. BINGHAM: You cannot do it in the great cities.

has tried to prevent. Now. to obtain control of the bank funds to gamble in stocks. For the very reason that it has a tendency to prevent these men from robbing the banks. LOCKWOOD: Certainly. The present Comptroller of the Currency has never sanctioned this bill. but could they not do it? This extract from the Congressional Records bears out the charge. Mr. LOCKWOOD: Why do you want to legislate against these individual men? MR. so often made. my information is that he disapproves of this bill. On the contrary. that he ought not to commend any such bill as this. BINGHAM: I say they do not do it. We quote further from this interesting debate: MR. that the leading stock gamblers are officers and directors of national banks. COX: Will you yield to me for one moment? MR. MR. I say this further. that by the passage of this bill MR. Bingham is an example of that class of men who [412] ⇓ represent Eastern constituencies in the halls of Congress. MR. And I will say further. MR. of Missouri: I will answer it.MR. LOCKWOOD: Right there I want to correct you. as such officers. I beg to complete my statement without being interrupted. the very thing the Comptroller of the Currency. COX: Oh. COX: I gave you the floor yesterday. HALL. COX: Let me ask you this. MR. and that they use their official position. not only this one but every other one. LOCKWOOD: Yes. MR. COX: Can you tell me of any case where they could not get two members of the board together? MR. You stated that your President and your cashier are members of
. I know they do not do it.

and there is no law requiring them to meet at any specific time. COX: Now. or your Executive Committee: the name is not important. MR. All understand full well that the value of their stock and the success of the bank depends upon the confidence of the people in the judgment and wisdom shown in the selection of the officers and directors of the bank. it will cause many of the most active. perhaps. The stockholders select the directors. and officers. MR. According to the opinion of Mr. LOCKWOOD: Yes. upright. LOCKWOOD: Yes. after it had been discounted. their reporting it back. the board of directors do not meet more than once a month or two months. COX: Do you mean that that paper is discounted without consultation with the directors? Now. what would be the use of. thus publicly expressed in this debate. wide-awake businessmen. Comptroller
. DUNPHY: But they are at the bank every day. All will concede that a national bank. MR. active. tell me what objection there is to that Executive or Financial Committee reporting it back to the board of directors and making a record on their minutes? MR.your Finance Committee. when they will not have a chance. Any member of the board of directors can look at the discount ledgers and see at any time what is going on and what discounts there are recorded in that book. to [413]⇓ report it back to the board of directors for one or two months after the money has been borrowed? It would be of no benefit or information to the board of directors. Lockwood. the most competent and trustworthy men they can find. MR. as you stated to the House a moment ago. and the directors in turn select the officers of the bank. LOCKWOOD: My dear sir. MR. then. LOCKWOOD: I state with great frankness that in many of these large banks. if this bill is passed. except twice each year. to be successful. the paper is submitted to them. MR. LOCKWOOD: Furthermore. directors. MR. COX: Do you mean to say that your directors do not meet in less than two or three months? MR. must have for its stockholders. and business-like men of the country to refuse to act either as officers or directors of national banks.

The purpose of this measure was the creation of a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States. Mr. Lockwood's statements is. it would have conduced much to the public welfare. where he showered fulsome eulogies upon the national banking system. that had Comptroller Eckels exercised as much diligence in keeping the national banks within the letter and spirit of the law. The passage of this bill would be class legislation of the worst character. House bill No. that the most upright men in the business communities in which these banks are situated. could be forced into United States courts as a bankrupt. Following in the footsteps of all his predecessors in that office. assuming the word of this prominent supporter of the administration to be true. for. notwithstanding the prodigious efforts of the lobbyists to push it through that body. It passed the House March 1. This was the darling scheme of the wholesale associations of the United States. 1894. as in attending their banquets. [414]⇓ It was. The bill was defeated. however. any merchant who was unable to pay a debt within thirty days after it was due.
. under its stringent provisions. would not consent to act as directors unless they had free access to the money of depositors. The power which was behind this bill. and of many public men. Eckels has graduated from the Comptrollership of the Currency to the head of a great national bank. purchased under the Sherman law. was that [415]⇓ gigantic trust-the wholesale dealers' associations of the United States. the generally expressed opinion of the press. and one at which they had labored unceasingly to force through Congress. and which was urging its passage through Congress. Another inference to be drawn from Mr. was brought forward in the House. During the month of February.Eckels was on very friendly terms with the national banks. known as the Torrey Bill. On October 23. as. This seigniorage was the gain between the bullion value and that of the coinage value of the silver. a bill was introduced in the House to coin the seigniorage lying in the Treasury. 139. the Comptroller was opposed to any restriction that could be thrown in the way of those bank officials who did not hesitate to gamble in stocks and bonds with the money of depositors. The measure failed to pass. 1893.

He was elected to Congress. It was during this bankers' convention that Charles C. C. " This sarcastic allusion to members of Congress was cheered to the echo by the hundreds of national bankers present during its delivery. During this time. by the rule of thumb. This cuckoo national bank member of Congress. and the House failed to pass it over his veto by the necessary two-thirds vote.681 to the circulating medium of the country. President of a national bank of Baltimore. The passage of this measure would have added $55. over which men of scientific attainments have studied and [416]⇓ grown gray-such men come or send their like to the halls of Congress. It then went to the Senate. The bill was disapproved by President Cleveland. where. the National Bankers' Association met at Baltimore. a citizen of Missouri. and that the redemption of all such bank notes should be guaranteed by the Government.1894. 1894. where his labors in behalf of banks were indefatigable. others who have followed the plow all day in the hot sun and tried to settle. He was appointed postmaster of Brooklyn during the first administration of President Cleveland. by a vote of 168 yeas to 129 nays. Homer. In October. had been. became President of a national bank.156. whittling a piece of wood. delivered a speech in the course of which he thus sneeringly referred to Congress: "Men who never had a discount in their lives. a scheme which met the approbation of the associated banks. questions of political economy. and from thence had migrated East. and the action of President Cleveland in vetoing the bill is seemingly unaccountable. who spoke so derisively of his fellow legislators. and to appropriate to
. of whom mention has been made in these page. and after his term of office had expired. In the meantime. and would not be entitled to one. This plan proposed that all paper money should be issued through the medium of the national banks. and they want to dictate the financial policy of the country. the banking monopoly was forming plans to seize upon. J. on March 15th. prior to his election to that body. gold coin was offered in exchange for silver dollars. brought forward what is known as the Baltimore plan of banking. Hendrix. it passed by a vote of 44 yeas to 31 nays. whose highest occupation has been sitting on a barrel at R corner grocery. During this meeting Hon.

however. 1894. the complete and absolute issue and control of the currency. 417 The banks of issue. On December 3. Congress convened in general session.itself. but as a step in that direction and as a means of securing a more elastic currency and obviating other objections to the present arrangement of
." and who wanted the "best money of the world" as a medium of exchange. Prominent among them are the lack of elasticity in our currency circulation. "The absolute divorcement of the Government from the business of banking is the ideal relationship of the Government to the circulation of the currency of the country. was really a fiatist of the most extreme type. He was a national bank fiatist. He concentrated all his energies and influence to the end that the banks might grasp the fiat of the nation for their profit. and its frequent concentration -in financial centers when it is most needed in other parts of the country. but they all concurred in the principle that the banks should issue bank notes to circulate as money. In the course of this document. These deeply-laid schemes did not coincide in every particular. were to be the sole beneficiaries of each and every system so proposed. he stated that the Secretary of the Treasury had prepared a bill providing for an elastic bank currency. President Cleveland aligned himself in behalf of these demands of the banks. and President Cleveland transmitted his message to that body. and that the Government should burden itself with the responsibility of finally redeeming all such notes eventually in gold. This man who persistently exhibited the supposed dangers of a fiat money. The President said: "Questions relating to our banks and currency are closely connected with the subject just referred to. "This condition cannot be immediately reached. and they also present some unsatisfactory features.

He gave official notice that the demands of the banking interest should be granted if he could be successful in swinging Congress into line with his policy. in his report. "The Secretary explains his plan so plainly. and to totally eliminate silver by an abundant supply of bank notes. a sum equal in amount to 30 per cent. blank national bank notes for each bank having circulation. in United States legal tender notes. of capital to be quickly made as emergencies arise. These recommendations of the President demonstrated that he was as fanatical in his belief in the efficacy of a banking monopoly and aristocracy as John Sherman.bank circulation. a proportional part of its guarantee fund shall be returned to it. to permit national banks to issue circulating notes not exceeding in amount 75 per cent. but whenever any bank retires any part of its circulation." This scheme outlined in the message of President Cleveland was one of the most remarkable plans of banking ever proposed by the wit of man. provided they deposit with the Government. of their paid-tip and unimpaired capital. " the President sought to throw the business of government into the hands of the banks. I shall therefore content myself with an unqualified endorsement of the Secretary's proposed changes in the law. of the notes they desire to issue. this deposit to be maintained at all times. and a brief and imperfect statement of their prominent features. as a guarantee fund. that any effort on my part to present argument in its support would be superfluous. Under the false and delusive cry [419]⇓ of "The absolute divorcement of the Government from the business of banking. and to repeal the provisions of the present law imposing limitations and restrictions upon banks desiring to reduce or increase their circulation-thus permitting such increase or reduction within tile limit Of 75 per cent.
. "It is proposed to repeal all laws providing for the deposit of United States bonds as security for circulation. including treasury notes of 1890. the Secretary of the Treasury presents. a [418]⇓ scheme modifying present banking laws and providing for the issue of circulating notes by State bank. free from taxation under certain limitations. to permit the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and keep oil hand ready for issue in case an increase in circulation is desired. It aimed to drive out of circulation every greenback and treasury note. and its advantages are developed by him with such remarkable clearness.

fund in legal tenders. of assets of the bank on which to determine amount of note issues allowed to the banks. Hon. but the Government to guarantee ultimate redemption. while the Government bonds stand at 14 per cent. of Wyoming. by issuing to them not only 90 per cent. or possibly 114 per cent. "One is to give more power to the banks by issuing to them a greater amount of currency without compensation-that is. referred to these various schemes of banking as follows. and an additional amount may be allowed them tinder heavy Government charge or taxation as an emergency currency. "Another plan is to allow banks to have a national form of currency printed for them that may be issued and loaned out as notes of the banks based nominally [420]⇓ on bank assets. "Another is to take 50 per cent. " OTHER BONDS FOR SECURITY. He said: " PLANS TO AMEND PRESENT SYSTEM. Henry W. and release them also from paying even 1 per cent. on their deposits of United States bonds at a charge of 1 per cent per year. "Another is to allow banks to deposit other than United States bonds for security. and 30 per cent. it provides for the issuance of more bonds payable in gold. premium.In a speech of great ability. " BALTIMORE PLAN. but relieving the Government entirely from all responsibility of final redemption of circulating bank notes."
. and yet make the Government liable for ultimate redemption of all the bank notes and issue gold bonds in place of the greenbacks. Coffeen. as in all of these bank plans. and. "Another is to practically turn the entire responsibility of supplying currency over to both State and national banks under a sort of supervisory provision upon deposit of a 5 per cent. but to furnish them 100 per cent. "CARLISLE PLAN. tax or interest on this currency furnished thus to the banks. This is the Baltimore or bankers' own plan. "ECKELS PLAN.

The banks to have to themselves and all creditor classes. "4. possessing double the purchasing power that money should have in exchange for all. as their own profits may dictate. "6. "2. and through these channels they will have the most complete control over all political power and governmental administration that the world has ever seen in any age or clime. The banks to be allowed to exercise the principle called elasticity. "3. accept that also. without public notice and without regard to the rights or needs of the people generally. they will. The banks to protect one another as note holders (for they are the principal holders of bank notes tinder the deposit system of our country). "7. all profits. other property. all industries. while the burden of maintaining the [421]⇓ gold redemption for a time and the dishonor of an ultimate and certain breakdown will fall on the Government. all the benefits of a highly appreciated gold standard money. while depositors are left completely unprotected. He said:" WHAT THESE AND OTHER BANK PLANS INVOLVE. The banks to secure all the profits on currency. The banks and money dealers to have the most absolute and fully legalized control over the prices and values of all property. as humble conservators of financial integrity and wisdom and as saviors of the country in its time of need. under the pretense of removing obstructions to elasticity. another name for sudden contraction or expansion.His summary of the results of these various systems that were urged on Congress is a masterpiece. "All of these plans involve the following: "1."
. The banks to control the volume of currency. The banks to have all and unrestricted opportunity for pooling their interests and to have all limitations that are disagreeable to them removed. If. "5. there is anything else in sight that Congress can give them. "8. all equities of contract.

To which question Mr. the latter was compelled to redeem its own notes in gold. I do not dare ask any such thing. A number of leading bankers also appeared before this committee and gave their views upon this subject. was far more voracious in its greed than that of England. John. appeared before that body. Mr. it bore the burden of redemption. St. Under the charter of the Bank of England. and if you are not.This admirable analysis of the variously proposed schemes of the banks was made by one of the ablest members of Congress. I never did and I never will. and he was followed by Comptroller Eckels. it will be seen. Secretary Carlisle presented his plan to the committee. Cobb: "Are you opposed to the use of the greenbacks? If so. and the following question was propounded to him by Mr. St. 1894. state why. and on December 10. [422]⇓ In pursuance to the recommendation of the President. Reaping the profit. state why not. the currency problem was taken up by the House at once. the Committee on Banking and Currency began a series of hearings upon this question. The most important and distinguishing feature between the plans of banking enumerated in his summary and that of the Bank of England is most vital. Mr. Coffeen was not only a practical banker but a very learned student of political economy. During the hearings before the committee. President of the Mercantile National Bank of New York City. the Government would be the sole redeemer of the bank notes that would be issued by them. The national banking power of the United States. I would not so sacrifice the
. In all the plans put forward by the bank monopolists. John made the following reply: "I am opposed to asking any sacrifice of the people at large in order to provide profit to banks.

and a spirited debate at once sprung up regarding the merits of the Carlisle plan. by depositing this currency with the Treasury.000. with a recommendation that four days be allowed for debate. therefore. More interest-bearing debt to issue to retire them. The great popularity to which they are entitled is being sacrificed by well-meaning doctrinaires. with the Secretary of the Treasury. Think of it.000 of greenbacks. would receive $100. At the same time it is proposed that $346.000 of loanable capital.300. The bill was reported to the House. outsiders. and decided to report it to the House without any change. Thus. the United States issues $100. including notes issued under the act of July 14.000. of their paid-up capital.000.000 of bonds. on which interest is to be paid for ten years at 5 per cent.000 a year to the people at large. and. shall supersede them! It is preposterous !" Of all the financiers who appeared before this committee to give their views. These notes were to be secured by a guarantee fund. The main features of this plan of banking proposed that national and other banks could issue circulating notes tip to seventy-five per cent. and then a vote be taken on the bill.
. and therefore is saving (at 5 per cent. there were in circulation greenbacks and treasury notes to the amount of $498. who know little about banking. as a guaranty fund. John was the sole banker who opposed the retirement of the greenbacks. And as a feature of the proposal is that bank notes. the committee adopted the plan of Secretary Carlisle. December 17th.000 which could have been loaned out by them.287. At this time.283. being a profit of twenty per cent. the issue of bonds.000. shall be retired. a debt which does not bear interest.000. [424]⇓ netting them an annual income exceeding $I00. and an enlargement of the powers of the national banks. 1890 equal to thirty per cent. By a vote of 9 to 8. per annum. yielding profit to banks as the first essen[423]⇓ tial of their existence. consisting of treasury notes. or treasury notes. The treasury notes and greenbacks were locked up in the vaults of the banks. St. the banks would have been entitled to receive $1. Mr. of the circulating notes applied for by the banks. per annum) $17. upon the greenbacks and treasury notes so deposited by them. a bank by depositing $30.000 in bank notes--a clear gratuity Of $70.popularity that the national banks of the United States have legitimately earned.000 greenbacks.660.

whose maximum should be five per cent. Springer. put into the form of a bill by Secretary [425]⇓ Carlisle. Carlisle. The redemption of these notes would rest upon the Treasury of the United States. which placed him in the forefront of those who antagonized the national banking power. while the advocates of the national banks asserted that the adoption of the Carlisle bill. Which took away from the banks the absolute power of suddenly prostrating business by contracting the volume of money. was engrafted on that act by the energy and eloquence of Mr.This plan provided for a safety fund. One section of bill proposed to repeal section 9 of the act of July 12. It was during the debate on this section of the Crapo resolution that he electrified the House and the country by that marvelous logic." The New York Evening Post. said: "Whatever may be the fate of the Carlisle bill. December 19th. This measure was shrewdly designed to still the demand for free coinage of silver by the substitution of a bank currency therefor. This section of the act of 1882. and coached in the House of Representatives by Mr. 1882. renewing the charters of the national banks. of Illinois. This safety fund was to be raised by a small semiannual tax upon the circulating notes of the banks.000. the movement for currency reform through better
. He now proposed to reverse his former position. by placing the great power of expanding and contracting the volume of money in the bands of the banks. or the Baltimore plan. which section prohibited those banks from surrendering more than $3. upon the total amount of national bank notes so outstanding. Who can tell what influence prompted Secretary Carlisle to burn all the bridges behind him in this remarkable change of front since 1882? Such was the iniquitous scheme suggested by President Cleveland.000 Of their circulating notes per month. would be the "death knell of silver. The Western and Southern members of Congress immediately perceived the intent and scope of this bill.

therefore. Carlisle that the power of suddenly contracting and expanding the national bank currency was taken away from the banks in 1882. that it was through the powerful logic and eloquence of Mr. It was sounded when the attention of the public was drawn to a cheaper and speedier way of supplying the public with the instruments of exchange needed to transact their daily business. Already the newspapers of the mining States have taken the alarm. as well as the New York Evening Post. Yet such was the apostasy of this man to his former principles.
. that the Carlisle bill was intended to sound the " death knell of silver. . " The opponents of national banks and the single standard of gold knew. if adopted. Springer. Those members of Congress. in the sense that you mean. The most dangerous feature of this substitute also repealed the ninth section of the joint resolution of 1882. and who also brought in this substitute.and thus place all industry and all property at the complete mercy Of those financiers. Bland proposed to substitute a bill providing for the free coinage of silver. Springer. This proposed substitute more nearly followed the Baltimore plan. The substitute measure also met the approbation of Mr. the [426]⇓ bill was withdrawn and a substitute brought in by Mr." Therefore on December 19th. and had always opposed the aggressions of the national banking monopoly. and. gentlemen. that he now stood forth boldly and he unreservedly advocated a system that would give banks of issue the unlimited power to contract and expand the volume of money at their own unrestrained will. who had introduced the Carlisle bill. will be the `death knell of silver. Mr. saw that there was no possibility of its passage by the House. had served in the House of Representatives for twenty years. who were urging the passage of the Carlisle bill. Carlisle. Bland's cohorts.000. and it will draw more and more of Mr.banking methods will go on. who had repeatedly attacked the government credit. the death knell of silver. during which time he had signalized his public career as a sturdy and consistent advocate of the free coinage of silver. and violated the laws of the country. Some of them say that either the Carlisle bill or the Baltimore plan. brought on every panic.' Yes. is already sounded. " It must be borne in mind. Mr.000 per month. which took away from the national banks the power to contract their circulating notes in any sum exceeding $3.

he will probably still further postpone a caucus. Mr. This attempt of the administration to influence the House aroused the latent manhood of its members. Mr. and hence the administration repeated those tactics which were so influential in securing the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. Mr. There the parallel ends. 1893. described his tactics in the following language. who are ascertained to be not set in their purposes as to the measure. boldly assailed the coercive measures of the administration for its attempts to push this bill through under whip and spur. the veto of the seigniorage bill was wonderfully effective in opening the eyes of those Representatives who had voted for the repeal of the purchasing clause. If this canvass is not satisfactory. 1895. It said:"His plan of canvass is to have one man of each delegation sound the sentiment of his colleagues. so as to give an opportunity for administration influence to be brought to bear upon those members.We now ascertain that his conversion to the Tory system of finance was as sudden as that of Saul of Tar[427]⇓ sus when he renounced the Jewish faith to accept the doctrines of Christianity. Hon. Sibley said:
. Springer's efforts to ascertain the views of the House on this bill were anything but encouraging. who had once been reckoned among the staunchest admirers of the President. and they saw the pit which the administration had dug for them. Springer became the accredited agent of the administration in its efforts to force this banking bill through Congress. C. [428]⇓ On January 8. Again the seductive power of patronage was brought into requisition to such a degree as to anger many of the members of the House. 1895. that noble tribune of Democracy. J. and the speaker incidentally exposed the dastardly means by which the repeal of the purchasing clause was secured in August. The Washington Evening Star of January 4. and this undemocratic policy of President Cleveland received some well deserved rebukes from those members of the House. Moreover. Sibley.

as you have made the statement. Mr. would corroborate my statement. `Mr. COOMBS: The gentleman from Pennsylvania makes a broad assertion against the administration. SIBLEY: I will say to the gentleman from New York that I went two or three days ago and asked a member for the privilege of making the statement to which I have just referred when the matter came up for consideration in the House. they told me that their batiks asked it and that they had been promised positions for constituents if they supported the repeal!. it would place me in a very bad position with my constituents. Chairman. I have had a padlock on my
. and I have no hesitancy in saying that if you take the golden padlock off the lips of the members of this body. Sibley. I am attempting to express my own opinion and endeavoring to show the influences which have prompted certain action in this House. The gentleman from New York must permit me to exercise that privilege. SIBLEY (continuing): That Executive influence shall not be used. Are the offices. I am not going to be silent any longer. and four days afterward they came forward and voted for it. MR. Chairman. and he said. Now. to give the name of the party.' A MEMBER: I should think it would. are the positions of trust of the country to be bestowed uponthose persons. without being willing to give the name? In all fairness it is only right. there are members of this House who told me with their own lips that they were against the repeal of this bill. and when a few months afterward I asked them why. and I am unwilling to do it. is he willing to give the names of any members in relation to that statement? MR. SIBLEY: Mr. two out of three men in this ` House. at least as to the justice of itMR. MR. I believe. I shall leave each man to be the judge for himself. Mr. and those persons only. COOMBS: But the gentleman makes a statement which gives a right to every member on this floor to ask that he Shall name the man. who support the will of the Chief Magistrate?" MR. COOMBS: I ask you if you think it fair to make so broad a charge against the administration of [429]⇓ helping to bribe a member of the House."Have Americans become so spiritless that they have no rebuke for the imperiousness of a would-be autocrat? No answer to the attempted usurpation of legislative rights? Do men tell me that the power of the administration was not used to force the repeal of the Sherman bill? Why. I am going to `talk out' this time. Chairman. MR. on the question of fairness and honor.

SIBLEY: Mr. I want to tell him that I am not talking here for the benefit of men who would rather ride to hell in a handcart than to walk to heaven supported by the staff of honest industry. SIBLEY: Because. on and after the first day of each quarter of the calendar year. of the cash reserve required by law shall be kept in coin or coin certificates. an amendment was offered to section 4 in the following language:"Section 4.000 per annum. Sibley. Chairman. and not less than one half of such cash reserve shall be it all times in gold coin or gold certificates. OUTHWAITE: Was it Dionysius that put the padlock on your lips? MR.lips as long as I propose to wear it. sir. as it has been said. I did not want to rebuke an administration that I hoped. would see the error of its ways and keep with the American people the pledges which had been made by the Democratic party.] MR. The last named member was well taken care of by the administration. That from and after July 1. if I had an hour's time with my friend from Ohio I would like to have [430]⇓ it out with him. until the whole cash reserve shall be in coin or coin certificates. ten per cent. [Laughter.] I am not talking for the benefit of those people who place more value upon a bobtail flush than they do upon a contrite heart. Why. of the whole cash reserve required to be kept by law.] MR. you remember when old DionysiusMR. OUTHWATTE: But what was it put the padlock on your lips? MR. SIBLEY: When Dionysius. the tyrant of Syracusc--Mr. 1895. OUTHWAITE: What was it put the padlock on your lips? [Laughter. were two of the most prominent cuckoos of the House. [Applause.] Representative's Coombs and Outhwaite. before the close of the year 1894. at a salary of $8. and that such cash reserve required by law shall be kept in coin or coin certificates in amounts increased by ten per cent. During the time the Springer bill was up for consideration before the House. and not less than one half of such coin or coin certificates shall be in gold coin or gold certificates. " The object of this amendment to the Springer bill sought to compel the banks to maintain a
. who had interrupted the speech of Mr. [Laughter. by receiving an appointment as a member on the Ordinance Board.

Walker) to something that will impress him at once.000. You pass this clause of the bill and it becomes mandatory where it is now simply a matter of commercial option. Chairman. 1895. and therefore would start a fresh raid upon the Treasury. and that besides this amount of gold coin. or in the city of Worcester. From the debate upon this amendment we quote as follows: MR. be retired and canceled.000. I rise to oppose this amendment. to settle their balances at the clearing houses on the days of heavy exchanges when they are drawn upon.000 in legal tender notes.000. Springer had stated that the national banks. This statement of Mr.000 national banks of this country to immediately start a fresh raid upon the. on the 2d of October. for $4. and silver certificates in denominations less than $to shall be issued in their stead. held gold coin to the amount of $175.000 or $5. Treasury for the purpose of getting gold to comply with this law. The proposed reserve of gold and silver coin was designed as a substitute to take the place of [431]⇓ the lawful money reserve. in silver certificates. when received in the Treasury of the United States. It seeks to defeat the very purpose for which this legislation is presented to the House. because it is impracticable and unintelligent. "I want to call the attention of the gentleman from [432]⇓ Massachusetts (Mr. I will ask the gentleman how he expects a bank in the city of Boston. as they frequently are. and to the one sub-treasury at San Francisco and the one at New York with their United States legal tender notes to get gold coin. You would compel the banks to send to the nine sub-treasuries with their treasury notes. On February 6. required by law to be kept by the banks. the banks are already charged with hoarding too much gold. We are doing our best to try to undo the tendency which is abroad to hoard the precious metal. 1894. You have already provided in section 4 of this bill that all silver certificates now outstanding shall. It was from the bank reserves of lawful money that these institutions furnished the greenbacks and treasury notes to raid the gold reserve.000.000.000. and you turn around and compel 4. HENDRIX: Mr.reserve of gold and silver coin. Hendrix was made after Mr. to say nothing of the banks in New York. on the ground that it would create a now demand for gold. Hendrix. You propose to attempt to stop the raid upon the Treasury for gold. this amendment was sharply attacked by Mr.
. Now. these banks held $185. and thus bear the burden of redemption which had heretofore been borne by the Government.

which would you choose? Every banker in the country. which they have now.if they are of denominations of less than $10? Why. LIVINGSTON: With all the other paper of larger denominations than $to. Instead of letting the banks hold on to the greenback certificates. if you were a banker. Then he has to get a vehicle to take it to the place where he is to pay his legal tender. and compel the banks to substitute for them one of two things. but by the reason of the operation of this law. HENDRIX: That is the essence of the proposition." MR. A national bank is not authorized to count national bank notes as reserve. It is simply impracticable to carry out this plan in the ordinary transaction of the banking business. but this bill would destroy the use of those certificates as a part of the reserve. The banks now are showing too great a tendency to hoard up gold. and under this clause you will have to cart him out a lot of silver or gold. we would all have to go to the clearing house in a coach and four in order to settle under the operation of this clause. you are simply imposing a great burden upon them and upon the public in the transaction of their business. but national banks cannot keep national bank notes as a reserve. If you are going to destroy the value of the gold certificates as a reserve and compel the banks to keep gold. sir. will be transferred to the Treasury of the United States. when obliged to make the choice. The point is that you destroy the [433]⇓ practicability of making settlements at the clearing houses. Now. It is impossible to settle the clearing house balances in that way. LIVINGSTON: The gentleman forgets that the same section provides for the national banks issuing nothing less than ten dollar notes. why should there be any difficulty? MR. HENDRIX: That is all right. and would compel the banks to keep their reserve in the two coins or in the Government certificates therefor. and I do not want to see anything put in this bill that is going to sequestrate gold. silver or gold. MR. I want it made so free that the great deposit in the United States of America of the yellow metal will not be in the banks. placed in the vaults by the Clearing House Committee. MR. you are going to destroy the value of those certificates as reserve money. HENDRIX: But you propose by this bill to retire the other paper money. A man comes in and wants legal tender. and keep them in their reserve. MR. so that the public statements of the Treasury
. The clearing house in New York has provided for the difficulty by issuing gold clearing house certificates. MR. LIVINGSTON: Not at all. will choose the one that is the more precious in his opinion. based upon coin.

and when it goes to a premium they will get the premium upon it. from Maine to Georgia. though he thinks himself its friend. offering an amendment to cut out half of the use of silver at the custom house. HENDRIX: Mr.000. the bankers.will give notice to the whole world that we have lots of gold. from the Atlantic to the Pacific. ] MR. MR. and their certificates are entirely within the control of the clearing houses. that that is why they are hoarding the gold. Chairman. and if gold goes to a premium the banks will get the premium on it. Is not that so? [Cries of "Yes. I stand here as a true friend of silver. as to form and substance. as to the clearing house certificates. WALKER: I want to state to the gentleman 28 [434]⇓ that the clearing houses of New York and in other cities. yes. and the gentleman from New York knows. I want a law to compel them to use that gold to redeem their own notes over their own counter. " Now the banks have got $175. "Mr. trying to prevent it from being used in denominations above $10. Hendrix) stands here as a banker. Chairman. and also
. and thus relieve the United States Treasury. Now.] " You have one silver man here. WALKER: Mr. should make such a statement. in the first place." and laughter. Hartman). that we are on a gold basis. They will hold on to it as long as they can. Now. we destroy the interest the bad bankers have in putting gold to a premium. they meet at Boston. [Laughter.] The gentleman from New York (Mr. not one of them in the whole country. 000. I am surprised that a gentleman who has stood upon this floor as the great commercial apostle. and everybody else knows. They have all been for banks. they are exactly what the clearing house chooses to make them. can make the clearing house certificates just what they choose. therefore we need not bother about them. They are not within the law. [Applause. an enemy of silver. But if we compel them by law to hold the gold as a part of their reserve. and that we are going to remain there. MR. has offered a single suggestion in a practical bill to relieve the Treasury. they pass resolutions adopting proposed amendments to the law to increase their own profits. Chairman. They meet at Baltimore.000 in gold today. and they tell us on the floor of this House that it is none of their business what becomes of the 175. the gentleman from Montana (Mr. they are outside of it. and you have had another man.000 Of gold.

[435]⇓ in that way take away any inducement they may have to put gold to a premium. but redemption in large blocks. MR. or only partially. Therefore they are upon the eve of making the banks do it at their own risk and at their own cost and over their own counters. MR. redemption. Chairman. Chairman. kept in gold at the Treasury. HENDRIX: The 5 per cent. [Laughter. WALKER: No. where the banks are required by law to redeem? MR. MR. Mr. HENDRIX: If you provide that the note redemption fund at the Treasury Department shall be kept in gold. WALKER: Not at all.] How much time have I remaining. HENDRIX: Will the gentleman permit an interruption? MR. will not that meet your desire to have the banks redeem their notes in gold? MR. MR. Mr. redemption fund. The people of the United States have made a long step in advance in discovering that it is costing them millions upon millions for the United States Government to do this-redeeming of paper money at the United States Treasury. not maintaining the 5 per cent. thus [436]⇓
. There was no objection. WALKER: Do you mean the 5 per cent. I want to say to the gentleman and to the House and to the country that the people of the United States propose to keep all their dollars of equal value. redemption fund? MR. MR." MR. HENDRIX: My question is this: Would you not be satisfied with having the note redemption fund which the national banks are obliged to provide. Chairman? THE CHAIRMAN: The gentleman has one minute. WALKER: Now. I will ask the gentleman from New York to repeat his question. BRYAN: Mr. I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman be allowed to proceed for five minutes longer. sir. WALKER: I will yield for a question.

I have the very highest respect for banks and bankers.' but it is no more than human for them to remember. [437]⇓ "Mr. and of Corcoran of this city.relieving the people of the tax of twenty or thirty million dollars a year which they now pay for this service to banks. The question is. the gentleman is making an argument. shall the bankers of this country protect every dollar of their own paper circulation at their own expense and their own risk and not compel the people to be taxed to do it for them at the United States Treasury?" MR. `0 Lord. When they get up in the morning they say -following the fashion of some prayers which we hear at the Speaker's desk and elsewhere. they say. WALKER: Yes. if it is short. But I remember also that never in any country. noble-hearted. and hundreds of other bankers.
. profit on the gold in their vaults. namely. "Here in this section of this bill is the first step in that direction-nine tenths of I per cent. I remember the record of George Peabody. The banks now hold $175. MR. let him get his own five minutes. under any circumstances whatever. to be kept in both kinds of coin-four and a half tenths of I per cent. we thank Thee that gold has not gone to a premium. we beseech Thee to keep gold from going to a premium tomorrow.000 in their vaults. We have got to adopt that policy in this country. It is' in the channels of trade' when it is in bank reserves. COOMBS: Does not the gentleman by this provision put it in the power of the banks and make it their duty to hoard gold. instead of leaving it in the channels of trade and in the hands of the people. to be kept in gold coin. Noble men! Many men of this class have been the most generous.000. I want to say another thing. thereby holding a larger whip over the community than they otherwise would? I submit that this amendment would force the banks to become hoarders of gold. the profit if it should go to a premium. as the gentleman well knows. When these bankers go to bed at night and say their prayers. COOMBS: Will the gentleman allow me an inquiry? MR. which I regret to say. Chairman. did the bankers ever improve the banking and currency laws or the financial conditions of their country except at the point of the financial bayonet. If he wishes to do that. as the night before. informing the Lord what has been done-`O Lord. held by the Government of the country in which the banks were located. and that the banks themselves ought to do. public-spirited men outside of their business there ever have been in this world. MR. WALKER: Now. But they know if it does go to a premium they will make 2 or 3 or 4 per cent. by the force of law devised in parliament.

Leighton of St. I say we ought not to heed here and now the protests of the bankers against their being brought into line with the banks of every first-class nation of the world."Now. This was defeated by a vote of 162 nays to 135 yeas. yet they themselves could not draw a bill which would do it that would get two votes in five in this House in this generation or the next. They show that the national banks. The grip of this Tory-Republican administration was loosened for all time to come.000 to $30. Therefore this measure.] These extracts. The extreme selfishness of these financial institutions is exposed by Mr. and lecturing us for not doing. Gage of Chicago. On February 7. He shows that the cost of this system of redemption was thrown on the Government. taken from the Congressional Record. 1895. which the gold standard fanatics openly boasted would be the "death knell" of silver. I challenge George E. He then moved to reconsider this vote. The defeat of the Springer bill was decisive. but.000. if not above. on motion of Mr. fell at the hands of the public executioner. I challenge Lyman B. Bankers are condemning members of Congress as clowns and fools because we do not accomplish what they want us to do. " [Applause. while demanding that the United States should redeem all its obligations in gold. it was laid upon the table by a vote of 135 yeas to 124 nays. Mr. Hatch.000.
To Chapter XIV To the Table of Contents
. men who in financial matters stand the peers. Walker. Cannon of New York. and issue bonds to maintain a gold reserve for that purpose. wherein he states that the redemption features of the national banking system had cost the people from $20. Springer brought up a motion to engross the bill and pass it to a third reading.000 per annum. I challenge Henry W. Louis-three as honorable men as live and as skilled in finance. any other three men in this country-to draw a bill that will do what they are saying ought to be done. were utterly opposed to being compelled to [438]⇓ maintain a gold reserve for the redemption of their notes. a stanch friend of the national banking system. exhibit several remarkable facts.

These reasons and arguments were the merest subterfuges of those public men who were determined. and to make all business pay toll at the counters of national banks. It was asserted by unquestioned authority. As the national banks of New York City persevered in the policy of hoarding up all greenbacks and treasury notes. 1893. to manacle the American people to a single standard of gold. by those who urged the repeal of the Sherman law. advanced in both Houses of Congress.
. NATIONAL BANKS AND THE ADMINISTRATION COMBINE TO ISSUE BONDS IN TIME OF PEACE. the national banks of New York City continuously bent all their energies toward depleting the gold reserve of the Treasury and forcing an issue of bonds. "Washington. Ever since the special session of Congress. and that this policy was carried on by the banks. but by. as the only remedy to check the exportation of gold. that the purchasing clause of the Sherman law must be repealed. beginning on the 7th of August. it would have been impossible for the gold speculators to have obtained the greenbacks and treasury notes to present to the Treasurer for obtaining the gold for exportation to Europe.The Coming Battle
[439]⇓ CHAPTER XIV. that found their way over their counters in the ordinary transactions of business. with the avowed intention of compelling Congress to fund the greenbacks and treasury notes into bonds. In fact. was. [440]⇓ One of the reasons stated by the President in his message of August 8. "Avoid the accumulation of debt. more gold was actually shipped abroad than was needed in Europe. vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned. and that it was returned without the packages containing it ever having been opened. at all hazards. 1893. the means of exhausting the gold reserve were practically unlimited. that these banks exported tens of millions of gold to Europe. not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burdens which we ourselves ought to bear. Without the active co-operation of these associated banks. not only by shunning occasions of expense. This was the sum and substance of all the arguments.

the World. in addition to legal tender notes or greenbacks to the amount of $185. at a time when to do so is to subject the Government to heavy and needless expense. which it will cost the country $220. As shown by a report of the Comptroller of the Currency. the gold gamblers persevered in draining the Treasury of its gold during the time that the repeal bill was pending in Congress. while the Government would not have to issue another $100. " In referring to the immense holdings of gold by the New York banks. 1894. which are payable in gold.000.000. "Are they seriously expecting gold to go to a premium? "Or are they and the banks all over the country in a tacit "combine" to compel repeated bond issues for their speculative profit? These banks ought to answer these questions. " On the following day. they had used their legal tender notes.000.000 of bonds. in looting the gold reserve to obtain gold to buy these bonds.000.000.000.000 in gold.513.000 in gold for which they have no use. the New York World editorially said: "The banks have no apparent use for gold. On the 19th of December. " Nevertheless these banks are hoarding gold in large quantities. in these journals.000 to pay. they would be in every respect as well equipped as now to meet their obligations. the national banks of New York City. held gold coin to the amount of $175. while the banks held $175. of the same year. on the 2d of October. These figures demonstrate that. or greenbacks. hold over $81. as a means of frightening the timid. "Thus the clearing house banks of New York alone. the World further said: "If they should turn it into the Treasury and take greenbacks instead. [441]⇓ "They have absolutely no obligations of any kind.000. principal and interest. the bank holdings of legal tenders had decreased to $119. In speaking of this course of the bankers in thus forcing an issue of bonds. near or remote. Every withdrawal of gold was given prominence.000.000.As heretofore stated. in speaking of the answers of the New York bankers to this
. a policy which was upheld by the subsidized press.

under their former usage.000. they drew Out $7. [442]⇓ they drew gold out of the Treasury to the amount of $38. within the same period. "They have no obligations payable in gold.. insincere. January 25th.000. and from the 17th day of January. in a nutshell. Because. editorially said: "Their replies are evasive. the Treasury has suffered from this policy of the banks a direct and indirect artificial gold depletion of five hundred and three millions.. In a single day. Because. while up to 1892 the banks supplied all gold required for export. since July 1.accusation. Because. except that they expect a premium upon it. The influential journal of Commerce. the banks persevered in their attack upon the gold reserve. the banks have withheld gold from customs.046. shifty. would have given the Treasury a gold income amounting to two hundred and seventy-three millions. is the explanation of the condition of the Treasury and of the causes compelling its virtually needless loans. they have drawn for that purpose from the Treasury. "Here.540.000. two hundred and thirty millions. to February 13th. On February 4. "There is no possible reason for them to hoard gold. although at that time these identical banks held a stock of gold exceeding $100. had purposely caused a needless and artificial scarcity of gold to the amount Of $503.262. it editorially said: "WHY MUST WE BORROW? "1."
.156. 1895. yet it did not hesitate to censure the banks of New York City for their traitorous attempts to cripple the United States. Although the World was an advocate of the gold standard. charged that the New York banks. "2. "3. or that they wish to force the Government to borrow money which it does not need. 1892. owing to their combined policy to cripple the Government. within the last thirty-one month. payments which.000. 1895. With renewed energy.

but. and to compel an additional issue of bonds. when the free coinage bill was killed. [443]⇓ directed. This force organized. 1894." Since the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law up to this time. 1894. gravely declared that the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law would stop the depletion of the gold reserve. when the repeal bill was enacted. instead of using their holdings to pay for these bonds. the Secretary of the Treasury advertised for bids for the sale of an additional $50.On the other hand. The amount offered was fifty millions for sale.000 of 10-year 5 per cent. they presented treasury notes. the Secretary of the Treasury invited bids for the sale of bonds to strengthen the gold reserve.
. they utilized this very issue as a means to further deplete the Treasury of its gold. urged these banks to coerce Congress to do their bidding. The Secretary claimed that. Four hundred and eighty-seven bids were received for these bonds so offered. and concentrated upon Congress. It said:"But we close. Therefore. on [444]⇓ November 13. It is sheer folly to rely on anything else.000. gold to the amount Of $172. the banks of New York City held many millions of gold.000 was withdrawn from the Treasury. as it was in the spring of 1891. with its accustomed loyalty to the money power. thus expanded beyond the one hundred million dollar mark. despite the fact that President Cleveland. while these banks were demanding issues of bonds to maintain the public credit. as it was in 1893.000. with the unqualified statement that Congress will not do this-that it will not do anything. under the provisions of the Resumption Act. unless it be forced to action by the overwhelming pressure of public opinion. The gold reserve. in his message of August 8. bonds. Nothing else will. and delivery was to be made February 3d. the New York Times. On the 17th day of January. he had full authority to issue bonds for the redemption of the greenbacks. At the time of this sale of bonds. and drew out of the Treasury $20. was again attacked by these conspirators with the evident purpose of forcing gold to a premium. as we began. 000 in gold to take up these bonds. 1893. will do the work. and.211. The gold reserve again began to melt away.

immense quantities of gold were again withdrawn from the Treasury. the New York Press. that the Secretary of the Treasury had secretly negotiated a sale of bonds to Messrs. "But it is more than likely that the banks will get even with the Government after all.000 was exchanged for treasury notes. It means nothing more or less than that the banks and trust companies in the city are preparing to take up a considerable portion of the prospective bond issue. In short. The quiet gold hoarding that is going on just now means that this money is to be used to buy the new bonds. United States Senator Gray.021. admitted this fact in a speech in which he stated that. and after they are once obtained. $80. Belmont and Morgan. NO ISSUE AT PRESENT.785. which gave color to the
. a gold standard champion. "Both Mr. On December 5th the reserve bad been expanded to $111. the withdrawal of gold became greater than ever before known. it is only another instance of Peter being robbed to pay Paul. it is significant and suggestive. of February 7th. of which only $36. from December 1.142. was again attacked by the New York bankers. Morgan and Mr. and immediately this gold reserve. Meanwhile. with practically the same coin again by means of legal tenders.000 in gold coin was withdrawn from the sub-treasury yesterday. "Fully $700. it will be a comparatively easy matter for the purchasers to replenish their vaults and safes. 1895. 1895. it was rumored in Wall street. to February 13. Belmont were at their offices yesterday. In the beginning of February.852.389 was exported.To pay for these new bonds. a large amount of this was hoarded for future purchases of bonds. said:-"Gold To Buy Bonds-Wall Street Ready To Rob Treasurer Peter To Pay Paul. 1894. and the banks openly avowed their intentions to force a third issue of bonds. thus freshly built up by this second sale of bonds. While this is not a large [445]⇓ amount as compared with other days. by exchanging greenbacks for gold at the sub-treasury in New York City. As a matter of fact. In speaking of both of these facts.

and Messrs. S. 1895. and Mr. and payable at the pleasure of the United States after thirty years from date.000 Of 4 per cent. parties of the second part.. 1871 and January 14.500. 1895. therefore. England. thirty-year coupon or registered bonds. and themselves. August Belmont & Co. The text of the infamous contract is -is follows: "CONTRACT. J. N.report that everything was "fixed" so far as the new issue is concerned.. thirty-year bonds.. between the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Belmont declined to be interviewed. at such rates and upon such terms as he may deem most advantageous to the public interests.' "Now.000. coin shall be purchased with the bonds of the United States. Mr. Such purchase and sale of gold coin being made on the following conditions:
. England. of New York. entitled `An act to authorize the refunding of the national debt. the said parties of the second part hereby agree to sell and deliver to the United States 3. and Messrs. this 8th day of February." On February 8. per annum. issued tinder the acts of Congress Of July 14. on behalf of Messrs. M. P. 1875. of the first part. 1895. payable in United States 4 per cent. on behalf of Messrs.000 ounces of standard gold coin of the United States. "This agreement entered into. of London.80441 per ounce. and themselves. the Secretary of the Treasury negotiated a secret contract with two great banking houses of London. and the Secretary of the Treasury now deems that an emergency exists in which the public interests require that. January 20. Rothschild & Sons. Morgan & Co. as hereinafter provided. of London. J. authorized to be issued tinder the act entitled `An act to provide for the resumption of specie payments. 1875. I am also satisfied that President Cleveland and Secretary Carlisle are keenly alive to the situation.700) that the Secretary of the Treasury may purchase coin with any of the bonds or notes of the United States authorized by law. Morgan had only this to say for publication: `I am satisfied that no announcement of a bond issue will be made until after a vote in the House on the Springer bill. "First. 1870. [446]⇓ "Witnesseth: Whereas it is provided by the Revised Statutes of the United States (section 3. at the rate of $17. of New York. of the description hereinafter mentioned. said bonds to be dated February 1. for the sale of $62. payable quarterly. Morgan & Co. being bonds of the United States described in an act of Congress approved July 14th. bearing interest at the rate of 4 per cent. approved January 14th. 1870.

Bonds delivered under this contract are to be delivered free of accrued interest. [447]⇓ "4.. "Second. "Fourth. as far as lies in their power. and. shall be assumed and paid by the parties of the second part. The Secretary of the Treasury hereby reserves the right. such 3 per cent. i. within ten days from the date hereof. In consideration of the purchase of such coin. he shall first offer the same to the parties of the second part. except in payment for coin from time to time received hereunder. interest. of which the-principal and interest shall be specifically payable in United States gold coin of the present weight and fineness for the bonds herein alluded to. 1895. but the shipments shall not be required to exceed 300. Should the Secretary of the Treasury desire to offer or sell any bonds of the United States. the parties of the second part. if within limit of tolerance.000 ounces per month. will exert all financial influence and will make all legitimate efforts to protect the Treasury of the United States against withdrawals of gold pending the complete performance of this contract. which is to be assumed and paid by the parties of the second part at the time of their delivery to them. in case he shall receive authority from Congress therefor. or either of them. "In witness whereof. at $18. but thereafter he shall be free from every such obligation to the parties of the second part. All deliveries shall be made at any of the subtreasuries or at any other legal depository of the United States. assume and will bear all the expense and inevitable loss of bringing gold from Europe hereunder. At least one half of all coin deliverable hercin under shall be obtained in and shipped from Europe. on or before the 1st (day of October. e. All gold coins delivered. bonds to be accepted by the parties of the second part at par. " 3. whereupon the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States shall and will deliver the bonds as herein provided. unless the parties of the second part shall consent thereto. "Third.8 grains of standard gold per dollar. "2. to substitute any bonds of the United States. shall be received on the basis Of 25. and their associates hereunder. at such places as shall be designated by the parties of the second part Any expense of delivery out of the United States. No bonds shall be delivered to the parties of the second part. bearing 3 per cent. the parties hereto have here-
.60465 per ounce of standard gold. "Fifth."1.

One half of this gold was to be obtained in Europe. and themselves. August Belmont & CO. London. Third. the Secretary of the Treasury bound himself not to offer or sell ally bonds of the United States to any other parties.[448]⇓ unto set their bands in five parts. MORGAN & CO. G. the gold coin so purchased should be paid into the Treasury at the rate of 300. and Secretary Carlisle presumably the United States. On behalf of Messrs. CARLISLE. On behalf of Messrs. S. without first offering all such bonds to this foreign syndicate. and themselves. the Secretary of the Treasury reserved the right to
. Attest: W. Curtis. Second.. Francis Lynde Stetson. A construction of this contract discloses the following remarkable facts: First. J. 1895. on or before the 1st day of October. Fourth. Rothschild & Son. E. seeking to bind the world to its golden chariot. Morgan & Co. let him read this notorious contract and be convinced of his error. except these foreign firms should agree to make larger monthly payments. England.. London. N. Secretary of the Treasury." If any citizen of the United States doubts that there is a great international gold and bond trust. J. that two American banking companies of New York City represented two great banking houses of London. P. This placed the Government at the absolute mercy of alien bankers.000 ounces per month. . J. M. this 8th day of February. and was a most cowardly surrender of the interests of the people to a foreign gold trust. 1895..

Think of it! This great nation having resources far exceeding the whole of those of Europe. Is there an international gold trust? Clause five of paragraph four of this contract is an explicit acknowledgment on the part of the United States. bond. assume and will bear all the expense and inevitable loss of bringing gold from Europe hereunder. the parties of the second part. Therefore. and thus commit the country to an issue of gold bonds. and delivered over to the tender mercies of the national banking money power and the international gold trust. should the United States issue an obligation specifically payable in gold. that it could protect the Treasury of the United States against the withdrawals of gold therefrom.substitute bonds [449]⇓ specifically payable in United States gold coin. In speaking of this transaction. will exert all financial influence. The purpose of this clause in the contract was. to issue bonds specifically payable in gold coin. and as far as lies in their power. that there is such an institution. or other security or evidence of debt. pending the complete performance of this contract. That clause is as follows: "In consideration of the purchase of such coin. note. the New York Tribune asserted that this syndicate could control
. provided Congress should confer authority upon him to make such substitution. ascertaining that its Secretary of the Treasury had bought the protection of a foreign bond syndicate! Let them further ponder. and will make all legitimate efforts to protect the Treasury of the United States against the withdrawals of gold. that this syndicate consid29
[450]⇓ cred itself so powerful. would become a gold obligation. with a population of seventy millions of energetic people. and the nation and its citizens would be bound hand and foot. and their associates hereunder. this example would be followed by every creditor. should Congress consent thereto. and every mortgage.

who wanted the purchasing clause repealed to check the withdrawal of gold from the Treasury.000. it was rumored that the administration had entered into a secret negotiation with this syndicate. The absurd pretense put forth by President Cleveland and his adherents. must necessarily be expensive. and the Treasury is accordingly benefited. of West Virginia. The attempt to force the Wilson resolution through the House failed by the decisive vote of 167 nays to 120 yeas.19½.000 by this transaction.275. In the meantime. bonds sold to this syndicate were worth $1. Mr. During the debate on these measures. Vilas. it was pointed out by the silver advocates that the 4 per cent.
. The bonds so issued under this secret contract were sold at a premium of only four and one-half cents on the dollar. a similar bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. gold bond in lieu of the bonds so sold to this syndicate. with the express purpose of depreciating the national credit with a view of forcing an issue of gold bonds. Wilson.116. sold at a premium of ten and one-half cents. netting the syndicate a profit of not less than $10. that the national credit must be strengthened by substituting the term gold. It was also charged that the administration had sold these bonds to the banking houses of Rothschild and Morgan at this low figure. in which be requested permission of Congress to substitute a 3 per cent.04½. At that time. for that of coin in its obligations. and on the 8th of February. but the syndicate can do it. was fully exposed by subsequent events. made an unconditional surrender to the international gold trust. and that did not also provide a means to check shipments of gold to Europe. Immediately upon the appearance of this message in the House. reported a joint resolution authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue gold bonds to the amount of [451]⇓ $65." As a result thus far of President Cleveland's warfare upon silver. although they had been sold at $1. of Wisconsin. 1895. could give the Treasury one dollar of permanent relief. This undertaking to change the whole course of exchange. At the same time. President Cleveland transmitted this contract to Congress. accompanied by a message.the money of the world. It said: "No plan that did not provide for getting gold from Europe. the same class of bonds having but twelve years to run. we find that this high public officer. He sought to buy its protection.

000 of bonds to maintain a sufficient gold reserve. it gave notice to all the world that it was offering a premium for gold.04 1/2. he failed in every instance to coerce Congress into submission to his will. This measure proposed to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue $500. while the rate of exchange stood at $4.86. and this policy attracted gold from all over the world.705 was brought forward in the House of Representatives. 29 1/2--being an advance of twenty-five cents on the dollar! Again the bold attempt of President Cleveland to fasten the gold standard on the country ignominiously failed. the subscriptions for them amounted to ten times the sum total of the bonds. even though it would ruin the party which had honored him so frequently. A raised the price at its counter. and its satellites in Congress. being equivalent to a premium of one per cent on the dollar. the New York bankers raided the
. is one of the most remarkable phenomena in all history. It seemed that the whole energy of President Cleveland was directed with an eye single to loading down the country with a vast perpetual debt. it was defeated by a vote of 162 nays to 135 yeas. nearly thirty millions of them were sent to London to be sold by the syndicate.. to burden the people with an enormous bonded indebtedness. these bonds that were thus disposed of by this nefarious contract to a foreign syndicate at $1. In twenty-two minutes after these bonds were placed on the market. In a few months after the secret bond contract with the Morgan Rothschild syndicate.91. for. 1895. 1895. by raising the price to $4. one day previous to the com-
[452]⇓ munication of the bond contract.Ten days after the issue of the original bonds. [453]⇓ In August. but beyond securing the repealing of the purchasing clause. as the bank of England bid $4. He likewise failed in this proposed bond measure.000. therefore. the attack upon the gold reserve began anew. on a motion to engross the bill and pass it to a third reading. These repeated attempts of the administration.91. and to redeem and retire United States notes. The usual exchange value of a British sovereign in gold is $4. On February 7. To-day.91 for gold. He unscrupulously used the immense patronage of his office to force his measures through Congress. are now worth $1. House bill 8. Whenever the bank of England desired to increase As stock of gold.

It must be remembered that this increased price was offered many months after Congress refused to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds specifically payable in gold coin. higher than the syndicate would have paid at private sale. 1895. in the meantime. $15. P. inviting proposals for the sale Of 4 percent. The bids received for this proposed series of bonds aggregated $568. declaring that the bonds of the United States could be legally paid in standard silver dollars Of 412 1/2 grains. and. There were 780 bids at prices higher than that offered by the Morgan syndicate. had it been consummated. In the following month. 1895. and the gold gamblers of Wall street drew $16. The Morgan syndicate offered to take the whole issue at $1.850--. at a figure away below the market price. Therefore. Secretary Carlisle issued a circular. This brazen attempt of the administration to again sell bonds at private sale to this syndicate. for the disposal of $200. Was for coin bonds of the same
[454]⇓ kind as this latter issue.000 was withdrawn from the Treasury and exported to that country. 1896.reserve to obtain gold to ship to London for this premium. 1878. was unrepealed.000. at an advance of six per cent. on January 6. Morgan & Co. the high rate of exchange still continued. The fact that this syndicate was willing to pay several million dollars more for the same class of bonds.000 out of the Treasury for exportation.. January 25. brought forth such a storm of indignation and protest that even President Cleveland quailed before it.
. It will be borne in mind that this bid of the syndicate for these bonds. as those negotiated tinder the secret contract of February 8th. over that of the same Morgan-Rothschild syndicate for the issue of February 8. bonds at private sale. more than the syndicate paid for the issue of the $62.000. thirty-year bonds. and was in full force and effect as declaratory of the financial policy of the United States.000 of February 8.1069. It was a little over six per cent. the administration opened negotiations with the banking house of J. This bid was six per cent. and that the Matthews resolution adopted by Congress. rested upon the flimsiest pretense.000.000 of thirty-year 4 per cent. This process still continued. In that month.000.than five times the amount of the bonds offered. is evidence that the objections of President Cleveland to coin bonds.259.

suddenly changed their positions upon these important questions. were handed around to these apostates to Jeffersonian principles. judgeships. inasmuch as he evidenced a purpose to treat more than 500. which had taken him from obscurity and elevated him to the highest positions in the gift of the people. the money power was working through its various associations and through the press to train the people to accept the absurd principle.The continued efforts of President Cleveland to retire the greenbacks and treasury notes. should it become necessary to maintain the parity of the metals. who. that the question of money did not fall within the province of laws and legislation. De Navarro. While President Cleveland was "working in Congress" by means of his patronage. President of the American Exchange National Bank. exercised great influence upon the opinions of many Democratic members of Congress.000 standard silver dollars as mere credit money. as a reward for their treachery to the people. redeemable in gold.000. were the most consistent advocates of free coinage of silver. prior to 1892. In a letter written by George S. are as follows:
.
[455]⇓ postmasterships. one of the most powerful in the country. and to issue bonds in lieu thereof. The closing sentences of this letter. to Jos'e F. Coe. This paved the way for a demand of the national banks. with a zeal that was remarkable.000. that the Government issue sufficient bonds to take up and retire this Silver money from circulation. Many of these Congressmen were defeated in the election of 1894. His determined attitude on these public questions. the former exhibited his supreme contempt for the powers of Congress.000. and various other appointments. and did the bidding of President Cleveland. many of the leaders of that party. Hence. In the meantime. and their fidelity to that man who had sought to disrupt that great and historic party. and President Cleveland manifested his fatherly care for his new-born prote'ge's by appointing them to Federal offices. but that its solution rested solely with commerce-that is the banking power. 1893. in his attempt to fasten a gold standard and a national banking system upon the people. as far as it lay in the power of the Secretary. dated April 10. Tile total amount of bonds issued during his administration was $262. seemed to have taken possession of his mind with a zeal approaching that of mania. The scheme of the national banking money power was now consummated. Secretary Carlisle announced that he would redeem silver dollars in gold.

being totally beyond the power of any financial legislator or convention to change. 1895. 1895. from which we have quoted. April 7. Cornwall. said: "On this silver question the American people are beginning to discard the old delusion that law can regulate the value of coin. It was abject submission or political death. When once this conviction prevails. now spurns that constitutional authority." The New York Sun. said: "The issue is between gold and silver as the standard of currency. who to day turns from the straight course of sound money and the gold stan-
[457]⇓
.[456]⇓ "Commerce is larger than governments and will certainly prevail over them all. we shall all be surprised to see how easily natural laws will conquer local prejudice and legislation. April. The money power became so elated at its success in having silver stricken down. a leading banker of Buffalo. as inferior to the unlimited greed of that class of which he is a shining light. April 7." This was the gist of the specious argument of the gold standard press and national banking power throughout the country. This writer who made his wealth and secured his fame out of the law-making power of the Government. that it grew so bold as to threaten the political future of any public man who did not align himself with that interest. William C. In a speech delivered before the Chicago Bankers' Club. 1895. he said: "The politician. the value of each metal with respect to each other and to other commodities. In the speech of Banker Cornwall. high or low.

dard, stabs dead once for all every chance of political success, especially if he wants to be President." This bold threat was greeted with the tumultuous cheers of the bankers before whom this speech was delivered. The gold standard press indorsed these sentiments of the money power. During the remainder of the Cleveland administration, the President was wholly unable to carry any of his financial projects through Congress. He became a leader without a party. Even the Republicans, whose financial policies he had so strenuously endeavored to force upon the Democracy, seized upon every opportunity to severely denounce his management of public affairs, despite the fact that their notable leaders had warmly defended his course in repeatedly issuing bonds to maintain the "parity of the metals." Outside of the clique of national bank presidents, trust magnates, stock speculators, bond syndicates, and sycophantic office holders, the President had no following worthy of the name of party. The facts detailed in the foregoing pages exhibit the wonderful prescience and the consummate plans of the national banking money power, as follows: I. It secured the partial demonetization of government legal tender currency in 1862-3; 2. The payment of interest upon a vast bonded debt in coin, and, therefore, it obtained absolute control of the gold of the country; 3. The establishment of national banks to issue paper money, which could only be put into circulation by building tip a creditor and a debtor class; 4. The control of the entire volume of money in the country, as a means of securing possession of the great railway properties, and to organize those mighty trusts which now monopolize all production and distribution

[458]⇓ 5. The demonetization of silver as a means of holding the West and South in subjection to its will; 6. The consolidation of all great moneyed corporations, with the view of subjecting the productive energies of the nation to its domination;

7. It has joined hands with the money power of England in as efforts to control Federal legislation; 8. It had, time and again, used its immense power to thwart the will of the people as expressed through Congress; 9. It has asserted a superiority above all law and the Constitution, and has declared that its fiat is more powerful than the authority of this nation; 10. It has robbed the Government of its highest sovereign power-that of issuing and controlling the medium of exchange.

THE REMEDY. 1. The restoration to the Government of the power of issuing and coining money. 2. The permanent destruction of the national banking system. 3. The application of the principles of Jefferson to the administration of government. "Oh, beware my fellow-citizens, of stock jobbers or banking associations who have an interest as distinct from that of the community, as that of drones from that of bees. Oh, beware, ye legislators, how you create a moneyed aristocracy, as dangerous to government as Pretorian bands in Rome, or Janissaries in Turkey. Let me repeat that: I behold this country as the asylum of the afflicted, the sanctuary of the oppressed, oil which the eyes of philanthropists are everywhere fixed with affection and anxiety. Moral feelings, common interests, and general principles unite as a band of brothers. Whatever appertains to the general welfare should emanate from the general Government. This

[459]⇓ is the spirit of our Constitution-this is the central axis upon which the Union must revolve, and any important deviation must make all return to chaos. If I am assailed for this interference I shall reply, Homo sum et nihil humani a me alienum puto. "----Thomas Jefferson.

To Chapter XV To the Table of Contents

The Coming Battle
[460]⇓ CHAPTER XV. CAMPAIGN OF 1896 "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. "-William J. Bryan. "It is to the property of the citizen, not to the demand of the creditor of the State, that the original faith of society is pledged. The claim of the citizen is prior in time, paramount in title, and superior in equality."- Edmund Burke. The course of President Cleveland, in his continued and energetic efforts to revolutionize the principles of the Democracy and to commit that party to the espousal of the national banking money power was disastrous in the extreme. As stated, the congressional elections Of 1894 went overwhelmingly in favor of the Republicans, and they carried the House of Representatives by a tremendous majority. Notwithstanding this great reverse, he persevered in his financial policy to the last, and he boldly and unscrupulously prostituted the immense official patronage at his disposal, to force his views upon the millions of the rank and file of that party which he had practically disrupted. Strenuous efforts were put forth by the national banking, stock -gambling, gold standard, and officeholding element, to elect a sufficient number of delegates to the coming national convention, and thus dictate the platform, and align the party in compliance with the views of the administration. While the administration and its satellites were bending their whole energies to accomplish this design, the associated batiks, particularly of the East, as here-

[461]⇓ tofore, laid their plans to manipulate the conventions of both the leading political parties. In the early part of 1896, a large number of bankers met at the Murray Hotel in New York City, and after adopting a series of resolutions denouncing the free coinage of silver, announced their

plan in the following language: "Resolved, That we urge upon the delegates to the national conventions of both of the political parties, the necessity of insisting on such action as will secure a plain and unequivocal declaration on the maintenance of the present gold standard." On March 23d, the American Bankers' Association issued the following instructions to the bankers of the country: The American Bankers' Association, 2 Wall Street and 90-94 Broadway, New York, March 23, 1896. "To the Bankers of the United States:"At a meeting of the Executive Council of the American Bankers' Association, held in this city, on March 11, 1896, the following declaration was made by a unanimous vote:"The Executive Council of the American Bankers' Association, declare unequivocally in favor of the maintenance of the existing gold standard of value, and recommend to all bankers, and to the customers of all banks, the exercise of all their influence as citizens in their various states, to select delegates to the political conventions of both great parties who will declare unequivocally in favor of the maintenance of the existing gold standard of value. "Your influence is earnestly requested to give practical effect to this action. Eugene H. Pullen, President. James R. Branch, Secretary. Joseph C. Hendrix, Chairman Executive Council."

462⇓ Pursuant to these instructions, the associated banks actively began operations to secure a

sufficient number of delegates who would embody the demands of the bankers in the platforms of both great political parties. While the national bankers and their allied interests were thus actively engaged in manipulating the selection of delegates to the two great conventions, the Democratic rank and file were even more vigilant to checkmate these schemes, and they finally succeeded in defeating the machinations of this Hessian money power, which had hitherto thrown its strength to the party that gave them the greatest pecuniary benefits. On the 16th of June, the Republican National Convention met in St. Louis to select its standard bearers. Hon. C. W. Fairbanks, of Indiana, a very wealthy railroad lawyer, from which fact he received great consideration as a coming leader of his party, was chosen Temporary Chairman of the convention. Hon. John M. Thurston, of Nebraska, was honored with the Permanent Chairmanship. The significance of Mr. Thurston's selection to preside over this convention will be appreciated, from the fact, that he was the general legal counselor of the Union Pacific Railway Company-a corporation whose corrupt practices have done more to debauch Western court-, and legislatures than any other agency in the land. Suffice it to say that this great corporation, built by the munificence of Congress, gave birth to that gigantic scandal of the age, the Credit Mobilier, which caught in its meshes a Vice-President of the United States, and many distinguished Senators and Representatives of Congress.

[463]⇓ A great number of the Western Republicans, led by Senator Teller, made a desperate struggle to obtain recognition for the free coinage of silver. They were overwhelmingly defeated and therefore withdrew from the convention. The financial plank of the platform declared against the free coinage of silver, unless it could be secured by an international agreement with the leading commercial nations of the world, and, in case of failure to obtain such agreement, the existing gold standard should be maintained. This expression in favor of an international agreement, was the merest subterfuge on the part of the gold standard element, to obtain the votes of those Republicans who favored free coinage.

H. H. Kohlsaat, of the Chicago Times-Herald, was influential in securing the adoption of the money plank. In speaking of the language of this plank, the correspondent of that paper, who was present during the St. Louis convention, used the following language with reference to the labors of Mr. Kohlsaat in securing its adoption. He said: "The qualifying words used by the committee, pledging the party to endeavor to promote an international agreement, are intended to strengthen the platform from the political point of view without in any way weakening it as a frank and fearless declaration for the gold standard. As it is and has been, the Republican policy to promote international bi-metallism, and as such biimetallism is earnestly desired by almost every one in the country of both parties, nothing is lost and something is gained by giving the Western Republicans a ray of hope in the future." On the 6th of June preceding, this man Kohlsaat,

[464]⇓ who had written the Republican platform, made the following editorial reference to international bimetallism. He said: "Any reference to an international agreement is shifty and futile. It deceives nobody because everybody knows, first, that there is not the slightest possibility of an international agreement at any ratio; and, second, that if such an agreement were formally entered into, no Government could be bound to abide by it a day longer than its own industrial and commercial interests would appear to warrant." It will be seen that Mr. Kohlsaat, on the 6th of June, declared an international agreement as "shifty and futile." On the 16th of June he embodied this "shifty and futile" scheme into the form of a solemn declaration of party principles! It was evident that Major McKinley, of Ohio, was the prime favorite of the majority of the Republican delegates for the Presidential nomination. The chief manager of Mr. McKinley's canvass for the nomination of President before the Republican Convention, was the noted Marcus A. Hanna, of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Hanna was a multi-millionaire, and he displayed a marked interest in securing the financial and potitical success of Major McKinley. It was due to the organization effected by Mr. Hanna, that the candidacy of Major McKinley received that impetus that carried him successfully to the first

composed of thirty-three great railroads entering New York City. he was also an arbiter in that gigantic trust. street railways. Bland. In fact. Mr. McKinley gave his vote to pass the bill over the veto. In a speech at Toledo. Mr. McKinley's chief fame however. When President Hayes vetoed this bill. Hanna became the Warwick of American politics. In 1878. In 1890. Mr.
[465]⇓ Major McKinley first attained political prominence as a member of the national House of Representatives. he supported the Matthews Resolution. be severely censured President Cleveland for his antagonism to the saver dollar. Hobart was supposedly designed with the view of attracting heavy
. such as railways. He voted for the free coinage measure as originally introduced by Mr. Cleveland was at the head of the Government. of New Jersey. he was a distinct representative of the Corporate interests of the East. known as the joint Traffic Association. For Vice President.place on the ticket as the standard bearer of the Republican party. Hobart had not been very prominent in politics until his nomination for this high office. he voted for the so-called Sherman Silver Purchasing Law. in 1891. During all the years Mr. 30
[466]⇓ The nomination of Mr. Hobart. grew out of his untiring advocacy of the benefits to be derived from a high protective tariff. " Mr. he was engaged in dishonoring silver. and the like. The McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 has become history. Ohio. which declared that United States bonds were legally payable in standard silver dollars. and stated that. and gave his support to the Bland-Allison Silver Coinage Act of 1878. to which he was first elected in 1876. These railroads were mainly owned and operated by British capitalists. and it was said he was a director and stockholder in forty-five different corporations. national banks. the convention selected Garrett A.

His use of the federal patronage in that state. In the early part of July. Upon a roll call of the convention. a majority of whom were friendly to tile money power and the single standard of gold. July 7th. combines. aroused the greatest indignation throughout the country. and gave unequivocal notice to that section that its dominating influence had ceased. was brought forward as the choice of those delegates who were utterly opposed to national banks and the gold standard. The desperation of the administration element became greater than ever.contributions from the trusts. and Senator John W. the office-holding Cleveland element. When the convention was called to order. which fact was abundantly evidenced by the high-handed methods of Don M. Hill.
. The free coinage element refused to acquiesce in the selection of the committee. Sterling Morton. to make a choice of its standard-bearers. and that an adjustment of the party was needed to plant it on the time honored principles of Jefferson and Jackson. Meanwhile. to overawe the free expression of the people. In the state of Nebraska. actually overrode the will of the Democracy in the selection of gold standard delegates. but the stern and determined men who made up the vast majority of the delegates thereto. and corporations of tile East to aid in carrying the elections. with the aid of a host of federal officers. of Virginia. the Western and Southern Democracy broke away entirely from the leading strings of the East. where the convention was to be held. the party leaders gathered at Chicago. the candidacy of Senator Daniel was successful by a vote of 556 to 349 for the New York Senator. presented the name of Senator David B. knew that this was the initial step of the gold standard element to obtain control of the convention. Dickinson in Michigan. tile National Committee. of New York. was extremely jealous of tile wonderful popularity of that splendid young tribune of the peopleWilliam Jennings Bryan. as its choice for Temporary Chairman of the convention
[467]⇓ This action was strictly in harmony with party usage. led on by J. who. Daniel.

The Michigan gold standard delegates. it did the bidding of the administration. the Virginian Senator delivered one of the most eloquent and notable speeches ever heard in any body. were unseated. The ratio was fixed at 16 to 1. This action of the Committee in unseating the regular delegates was carried before the convention on appeal. prior to their appointment to these responsible positions. the Federal judiciary was the mainstay that upheld the aggressions of corporations upon the rights of the people. headed by that shrewd manipulator. headed by the eloquent Bryan. and the contestees were admitted to a voice in the deliberations of this convention. on the ground that this system of jurisprudence was the means by which corporations wreaked their vengeance upon their striking employees. The great struggle arose upon the report of the Committee on
[468]⇓ Resolutions. This effort to nullify the will of the people of Nebraska. Under this process of the courts. trial by jury was abrogated. Moreover. and the regulars were admitted to their seats. and the Federal judge had unlimited power to try. Another plank of the platform criticized the Federal Supreme Court for its reversal of its late decision on the income tax law. without waiting for the aid or consent of any other' nation on earth.
.Upon taking the chair. corporation lawyers. and ousted the Bryan delegates and had seated the contestors. and execute his unrestrained will upon helpless men. convict. Dickinson. In the hearing of this contest before the National Committee. which had brought forward declarations in favor of the free and unlimited coinage of silver. The seats of the regular delegation from Nebraska. one of the most just measures ever enacted by Congress. came to an ignominious end. were contested by a contingent of federal office-holders. its decision was reversed by a decisive majority. Government by Federal Court injunction was severely denounced. and had secured their positions through the influence of railways and trusts. Don M. The great majority of the Federal judges were.

As a concession. and his magical eloquence carried the convention by storm. In the debate upon this report of the committee. of Maine. Bryan had the closing speech. the district attorney discovered that seven of
[469]⇓ these high functionaries 'held stock in the various railroads composing this gigantic trust. Mr. in 1892. and was a warm admirer of the principles and achievements of Jefferson and Jackson. and Arthur Sewall.In a celebrated case in one of the Eastern states. the chosen idol of that great historic party. but it was voted down by a nearly two-thirds vote. As a result of the deliberations of the convention. the administration element pleaded for an endorsement of President Cleveland. this gathering of distinguished leaders of Jeffersonian principles utterly repudiated the policy of President Cleveland. with a view of having its organization declared illegal tinder the provisions of that absurd so-called Sherman Anti-Trust law. the report of the committee was adopted by a decisive majority. and he easily became the most conspicuous figure in that body of great men. where be easily carried off the palm for
. and vigorously rebuked his methods in attempting to handcuff the Democracy to the gold standard. Bryan was a Democrat of the old school. Is it strange that the people had lost faith in the Federal judiciary? A strong declaration was adopted. denouncing that Tory-Republican system of finance-the national banking system. William J. was now given notice that it had no lot or part with him. He. Bryan was nominated for President. He presented his bill to eight different United States District and Circuit Judges Out of these eight suppose d infallible organs of the law. the United States District Attorney instituted a suit against a great railway trust. who was. He had served four years in the House of Representatives with distinguished ability. for vice -president . Upon roll-call. Mr. Thus.

Bryan. met at Indianapolis. stock gamblers. however. His speeches in behalf of tariff reform. He was a firm believer in the gold standard and the national banking system. Flower referred to the principles of Jefferson and Jackson. Foremost among these bolters was Ex-Governor Flower. money lenders. national bankers. and combined their patriotic efforts with those of the Democracy. In his speech before the Indianapolis convention composed.[470]⇓ eloquence. and where he had amassed a fortune of many millions in speculating in stocks and bonds. These bolters made no secret of their intention. Mr.
. the Cleveland. and wouldbe aristocrats-Mr. to wrest the control of the country from the plutocracy of the East. On September 2d. the issue of bonds -in time of peace. or gold standard. who had served in Congress. and noble oratory. argument. The silver Republicans and the Populist party endorsed the candidacy of Mr. the free coinage of silver. to defeat the regular Democratic ticket at all hazards. ostensibly to place a Presidential ticket in the field. and those opposing the single standard of gold. of New York. and the enlargement of national banking powers. were marvels of logic. Sewall was a distinguished citizen of Maine. and who had earned a fine political reputation for his admirable administration as the chief executive of New York. national banking faction of the Democratic party. of which he asserted that the body which he addressed were the true representatives. of Federal
[471]⇓ Office-holders. where he was recognized as one of the heaviest operators on the Stock Exchange. and denounced the Chicago platform as a departure from the traditions of Democracy! The Indianapolis platform declared in favor of the gold standard and the national banking money power. and had been a life-long advocate of the free coinage of silver. as it was to a very large extent. trained with the stock gamblers of Wall street. promoters of trusts. He.

The saving banks. It was then that the strategy of Chairman Mark Hanna. and General Buckner. of the Republican National Committee. The loan and mortgage companies of the East. in the event of the success of Mr. and building and loan associations were also guilty of this deception. the tide was flowing mightily in favor of the regular Democratic nominees. During the first . holding billions of dollars of mortgages on the farm lands
[472]⇓
of the West and South." This scheme was very effective. controlled to a very large extent by British capital. came to the. these mortgages would be renewed. was nominated for President. the moneyed assistance of the gigantic corporate interests of the nation. of Kentucky. and it was in turn
. who were plainly given to understand that further employment depended upon the success of the Republican candidates. in these documents.Gen. that it was necessary to elect the Republican ticket in order to obtain a continuation of banking favors. The immensely wealthy life insurance companies flooded the country with millions of letters. and the success of the ticket seemed certain. The great railway corporations. This species of coercion reached hundreds of thousands of business men. Thousands of banks notified their multitudes of borrowers. that they did not wish to be compelled to pay their policies in "cheap dollars. but that if McKinley was elected. Bryan. that. of Illinois. organized their hundreds of thousands of employes into "sound money" clubs. by calling into requisition. Palmer.part of this memorable campaign. notified their debtors. The nomination of General Palmer was made with a view of attracting votes from the soldier element of the North that of General Buckner to obtain the support of the Ex-Confederate element in the South.rescue of McKinley. and these philanthropic corporations stated. they would close in on them and sell them out. was chosen as his colleague on the ticket. urging their policy holders to support McKinley and Hobart. John M.

treacherous. lying. coercion. calling the attention of their employees to a stipulation. the gold standard bolting Demo-
[473]⇓ cratic newspapers and speakers. legal process was brought to bear against those debtors who refused to surrender tip their manhood. and intimidation. and. hatched by the criminal minds at the head of the national banking money power to win this election as a means of perpetuating its reign. Michigan. and exhibited large orders for their manufactured products. Millions of money were poured into the campaign fund to elect the Republican ticket. all of which were carried for McKinley and practically assured his election. Lyman J. and the bullion composing them should be thrown upon the market and sold as "junk". In the meantime. the Republican ticket was elected. common to these contracts. and tyrannical schemes. practiced upon the people. Illinois. Individual lenders carried out the same policy. that the greenbacks and treasury notes should likewise be taken up by an issue of bonds
. in the course of which be stated that sufficient bonds should be issued to take up all the silver dollars in circulation. Indiana. Ohio. desperate.communicated to their employees. As a necessary result of this campaign of fraud. providing for their cancellation in case of the election of Bryan. openly advised their followers to vote for McKinley and Hobart. in many cases. and thus secure the adoption of "sound money. at the behest of these minions of despotism. On the day succeeding the election. and West Virginia. Immediately upon the results of the election becoming known. to 176 for Bryan and Sewall. Manufacturers fell in line at the command of Mark Hanna. One remarkable feature of this election was the enormous increase in the vote in the states of Iowa. receiving 271 electoral -votes. President of the First National Bank of Chicago. Gage. Kentucky. the national banking money power made known its demands through the press. Wisconsin. " Such were the rascally. near the close of the campaign. came out in an interview published in one of the leading Chicago papers.

the opinion of this tribunal. Hanna was appointed. of California. as he had never displayed any unusual talents as a public administrator. for Attorney General. of Illinois. Sherman to the head of the State Department. and running for one hundred years. Hanna is recognized as all powerful with the administration. for Secretary of War. of Massachusetts. The President-elect was duly inaugurated. with the result that
. and Custer. should be issued as a basis for national bank currency. of Michigan. for Secretary of the Treasury. is a scathing arraignment of the business methods of the present Secretary of War. for Secretary of the Navy. With possibly one exception.and destroyed. His brief war record was inglorious.
[474]⇓ This is an example of that mad greed that rejoiced in the election of McKinley. for Secretary of Agriculture. His cabinet consisted of the following:-for Secretary of State. was a clever piece of strategy to secure a vacancy in the United States Senate. Gary. The methods by which he obtained his great wealth. Ex-Governor Long. of Maryland. and exempted from taxation. as the military reports of General Sheridan. Alger. Alger to the Secretaryship of War excited considerable criticism. as announced by justice Sherwood. Lyman J. Russell A. Merritt. In a celebrated case before this court. in which Mr. Mr. As United States Senator from Ohio. John Sherman. of Iowa. The appointments of Mr. which
[475]⇓ reformed the tariff by the passage of what is known as the "Dingley Bill." This tariff bill raised the duties on imports higher than ever before known. James Wilson. The appointment of Mr. for Postmaster General. that a billion of bonds payable in gold. prove. the members of this cabinet were noted for their enormous wealth. to which Marcus A. judge McKenna. President McKinley called a special session of Congress. Alger was a leading party. Gage. can be ascertained by a perusal of the Supreme Court Reports of Michigan. Shortly after his induction into office. James A.

after the passage of the Dingley Bill. can be passed by that body under the fraudulent and delusive cry of "currency reform. for. President McKinley had appointed Senator Wolcott. of Colorado." by reason of the enormous falling off of revenues. trust magnates. In the latter part of 1897. composed of national bankers. heavy reductions of wages were
. hobnobbing with foreign potentates. corporation lawyers. It was a dastardly stab in the back on the part of the administration. it is now evident that none of these robber schemes of finance. while it was endeavoring to secure international recognition of silver. of Boston. The British press greeted the efforts of the Wolcott Commission with gibes and sneers. gold Democrats. was the moving spirit who formed the plan that resulted in the calling of this self-constituted body of legislators. " Upon a knowledge of this scheme of banking reaching London. One Hugh H. and the substitution of a bank currency in lieu thereof. Hanna. the Wolcott Commission found itself in a dilemma. In the meantime. and men of that ilk. without waiting for the aid or consent of any other nation. In addition to the Gage banking scheme. and pointed to the Gage banking bill as evidence that its mission was a fake. One of these schemes was concocted by a convention held at Indianapolis. Secretary Gage incubated a scheme of banking which he laid before the special session of Congress. As the Senate is strongly in favor of the free and unlimited coinage of silver. the Government to be the guarantor and redeemer of these proposed bank notes. the administration had come squarely out for the gold standard. and General Paine. various other plans of currency reform(?) were brought forward." The upper House is now the safeguard of the nation. and obtain the consent of the Powers to enter into a treaty to secure that "shifty and futile" experiment-international bi-metallism. While this commission was abroad. nephew of Mark Hanna. accompanied by a report in which he stated that his bill proposed "To commit the country more thoroughly to the gold standard. as an international commission to proceed to Europe.
[476]⇓ all of which aimed at the elimination of the greenbacks and treasury notes from circulation. Ex-Vice President Stevenson.this measure has received the nickname of "Dingley's Deficit.

exhibiting an awful state of affairs among the working people of that city. Hanna. and other would-be reformers of the currency. This article is headed as follows: "Dire want in New Castle. and other stereotyped phrases. President McKinley was the guest of honor at this gathering of the plutocratic element of New York City. and entertained his hosts with one of his usual homilies. a leading gold standard paper of Chicago." "Six families found starving-six hundred idle iron workers. On January 31. the millionaire aristocracy of the East. On the same page of the journal. 1898. is a special dispatch from New Castle." "McKinley's speech pleases British speculators and investors.made in the large cotton mills of the New England States. The same policy is being carried out in the iron manufacturing districts. "
. and that Spanish bonds rose in value. the "maintenance of the public faith. even the city where he of Dingley fame resides. He committed his administration to the maintenance of the gold standard and in favor of currency reform. from which we have quoted.
[477]⇓ in which much was said about "prosperity. Hugh H. headed as follows: "American stocks advance. Representative Fowler. The speech of President McKinley was highly gratifying to the Tory press of Great Britain. and the railway corporations are engaged in the same process of restoring "prosperity. he undoubtedly referred to some one of the various schemes of banking concocted by Secretary Gage. On the 29th Of January. published a cablegram from London. gave a costly and gorgeous banquet in the most fashionable hotel of New York City. Delaware. 1898." The article goes on to show that American railway stocks led the market." the "upholding of the nation's honor. By the latter phrase. Delaware. did not escape from the general cut of rate of wages.

and that fifty families had left the town in a single week to escape starvation. Pierpont Morgan. To place before the reader the immense possibilities for oppression that is within the power of a combination like the joint Traffic Association.This dispatch goes on to show that the families of six hundred idle iron workers were crying for food. Foremost was that colossal railway trust." In the meantime. ere the pro-
. trusts and other illegal combinations of capital continued to multiply with alarming rapidity. To a very large extent. having for their object the absolute monopoly of production and distribution. with a capital of more than $2.multitudes. that these corporations have. and whose stocks were purchased by these foreign capitalists at a mere fraction of their. who. that single railways have been empowered. by systems of secret rebates. The decision was scarcely announced. to blight the prosperity of towns. the American agent of British capitalists. former values. and to build up more favored points on the ruins of the former. bankrupted tens of thousands of enterprising citizens. It is trite that this railway trust was declared illegal by a late decision of the Federal Supreme Court by a vote
[479]⇓ of five to four of the judges composing that tribunal. and organized through the efforts of J. this association was formed out of the railways wrecked during the panic. during the campaign of 1896. and told them that the only means of restoring prosperity were to "open up the mills. cities. and to accumulate the wealth earned by the toil of millions.ooo. the joint Traffic Association. struck an impressive attitude before the cheer. by unjust discriminations in freight charges between different localities. while a few favored shippers have been enabled to create the most gigantic monopolies of any age. Starvation for honest Americans. This is an illustration of the effects of the policy of
[478]⇓ President McKinley. the fact should be constantly kept before him. wealth for British stock gamblers and speculators. and even whole sections of the country.ooo.ooo.

The minions of corporate greed regarded this scholar and educator as a shining mark against which to direct their attacks. President of Brown University. taught the infamous doctrine that kings rule by divine right. as a consideration for these signatures so obtained.
. The national banks of New York City.
[480]⇓ In the early part of 1897. Boston.moters of this combination publicly declared their intention to "move on Washington. To give their avowed purpose the apparent sanction of public opinion. and incidentally to pattern this university after that of Oxford. the railways agree not to oppose legislation demanded by their workingmen This is coercion patterned after that of I 896. the privileged money power and the trusts are reaching out to control the influential colleges and universities of the land-seats of learning whose precincts should be sacred to the dissemination of knowledge-but which -ire now sought to be made instrumentalities to uphold the tenets of an aggressive plutocracy. there are hundreds of trusts in full operation. Flushed with political success in 1896. England. now aggregating more than $4. and other commercial centers are combining their assets. Be it remembered that this renowned institution was placed in the front rank of American colleges mainly through the ability of Professor Andrews. and they have become so menacing to the rights of the people. In almost every instance. occurred the most notable instance of this attempted perversion of these centers of learning.000. for centuries. which. the managers of the railways composing this trust are now circulating petitions among their employes for their signatures. requesting Congress to enact a law to legalize trusts. that the public press is demanding prompt action against these combinations by the Federal Government. the promoters and managers of these trusts are closely identified with the national banking money power. which has always been the servile apologist of kingly tyranny. Benjamin Andrews. At the present time.000.000. under single managements." and obtain the passage of a pooling law to avoid the effect of the ruling of the Court. in which it was sought to humiliate tile learned and distinguished R. This last mentioned institution was a school. and. and that they can do no wrong.

was the special birthright of British kings according to the tenets of Oxford. upon the graduation of his son. whence he had gone for a much needed rest.To quote the language of Pope: "The divine right to govern wrong. he dealt the gold
[481]⇓ monometallists some very hard blows. or any other American school. should degenerate into a mere organ of a privileged class. because this great man advocated the rights of conscience. and the enlightenment of the masses. By some means. it had exiled its greatest ornament. introduced a resolution demanding the resignation of the President. During his absence in Europe. President Andrews. who is reputed to be the wealthiest man in America. it was caused to be rumored that Mr. As an author. never sought to impress his financial views upon the students of the University. a Representative in Congress from the Third District in Massachusetts. but. and Ids works in behalf of that principle were regarded as among the ablest ever written. while President Andrews was still absent in Europe. Joseph H. the Standard Oil magnate. and it was determined to punish him for exercising the common rights of an American citizen. President Andrews was a distinguished advocate of the free and unlimited coinage of silver. At the command of the dissolute Charles II. the liberty of thought. graduated from the University. Rockefeller. John Locke. and had committed the.000 upon the University. the son of John D. Rockefeller. At the first meeting of the Board of Trustees of the college. sublime works of Milton to the flames. Walker.000.. in his official capacity. on the ground that his advocacy of free coinage had resulted in a loss of $1.000 to the University!
. We aver that no right-minded American citizen is desirous that Brown University. had proposed to bestow the munificent sum of $11000. Hon. owing to the free coinage views of the President thereof. he had abandoned his alleged beneficent purpose. This was merely affording a pretext to depose President Andrews from the head of this great institution.

jury. by which it was sought to humiliate Professor Andrews by deposing him from the Presidency. manifested his great humanity by reducing the wages of his thousands of employees sixteen per cent. from the tempest of popular wrath. and it will afford the national banking. aroused a storm of criticism within the United States. an opportunity to point to the imports of gold. hence. sent here for the purchase of our surplus farm products. and these distinguished defenders of the "public faith" drew back appalled. Should this desirable condition occur. it will be only temporary relief. This wealthy manufacturer. as an argument that the volume of money is ample for the needs of business. and executioner of the absent President. The only hope of the producing classes is a rise in prices. although the rise in prices sweeps away the argument that gold is a stable money.The action of Congressman Walker was vigorously supported by a multi-millionaire cotton manufacturer of Rhode Island. who would be judge. owing to a general failure of European crops in 1897. by advocating "cheap dollars" and attacking the "public honor!" This disreputable scheme. spoke Indignantly of the conduct of President Andrews as undermining the morals of the stu31
[482]⇓ dents. The Presidential election of 1900 is destined to be the most important in our history. in his remarks supporting the resolution. who. inasmuch as the national banking system will expire by limitation of law in 1904. the demand for American farm products will be so extensive as to greatly enhance the value of our exports of bread stuffs. and the prospects are that. the corporations composing this system will bend every energy to secure a renewal of
[483]⇓
. who displayed such anxiety to "Maintain the public faith tin tarn ished. gold standard money power.

that he may cast his vote in a manner becoming an American freeman. will not be a circumstance compared to the gigantic efforts that will be put forth to win a triumph in 1900. THE END To the Table of Contents
. It behooves every citizen of this great republic to verse himself in the principles of free government to watch diligently the trend of public opinion. The coercive tactics of the money power.the law authorizing a continuation of this privileged class. by which a victory was won in 1896. to familiarize himself with the character of the public men who aspire to be the legislators of the people. to scan the proceedings of legislative bodies.

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